Disney’s 'Tangled' Live-Action Remake Returns To Development, Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Play Mother Gothel

We can finally let down our hair after all because Disney’s live-action Tangled is finally back on track after being put on hold earlier this year, and it looks like Scarlett Johansson might take on the role of Mother Gothel!

Photo from Walt Disney Studios, Claire Leahy

The studio hit pause in April after Snow White underperformed at the box office. But things turned around quickly after the Lilo & Stitch remake became a billion-dollar hit worldwide. Insiders say the big difference between the two remakes lies in cultural relevance. Snow White first premiered in 1937, and kids today just don’t connect with it the same way. Lilo & Stitch, on the other hand, has remained a fan favourite since its 2002 release. The 2002 film continues to be a Disney+ favourite and brought in a massive $2.6 billion in retail sales last year alone, even before Stitch returned to cinemas. Disney is now hoping Tangled can spark the same excitement among younger fans.

Photo from Walt Disney Studios/Everett Collection

Like the 2010 animated version, the live-action Tangled will follow Rapunzel, a princess with magical long hair who escapes her tower with the help of a charming outlaw named Flynn Rider. Mandy Moore originally voiced Rapunzel in the animated hit, which earned $592 million at the box office and featured the Oscar-nominated song "When Will My Life Begin". Despite its sky-high production costs, the movie became a fan favourite and spawned Tangled Ever After (2012) and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017).

Who’s in the Cast of Disney’s Live-Action Tangled?

Photo from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett Collection

Casting is still in progress, but if Scarlett Johansson signs on, this remake is already shaping up to be a major event for Disney fans. The Greatest Showman filmmaker Michael Gracey is in talks to direct, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson writing the script.

No one’s been confirmed to play Rapunzel or Flynn yet. Gigi Hadid and Corey Mylchreest previously revealed that they auditioned but didn’t get the parts.

Who would you like to see play Rapunzel and Flynn?