Disney Revives Tangled: Scarlett Johansson Eyed for Mother Gothel Role in Live-Action Adaptation
In exciting news from the world of Disney, the beloved animated classic Tangled is getting a fresh look with plans for a live-action adaptation. Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in discussions to play the iconic role of Mother Gothel, bringing a new dimension to this cherished character. Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, is set to direct the film, which will be based on a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
After pausing development in April, largely due to concerns over the box office performance of Snow White, Disney is now ready to move forward. It’s important to note that audience reception for classic Disney animated films has generally been more favorable compared to titles released after the 1989 Little Mermaid renaissance. Recent live-action adaptations, including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast, have seen significant box office success, with Lilo & Stitch earning an impressive $1.03 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing MPA title of 2025 so far.
While Tangled has not yet been officially greenlit, the original film, released in 2010, grossed nearly $600 million worldwide. The story follows Rapunzel, a young woman with magical long hair who has spent her entire life trapped in a tower. When a charming thief stumbles upon her, she embarks on an adventure that opens her eyes to the outside world and her true identity.
Under the leadership of the Disney Live Action team, the studio is committed to revisiting classic tales with a modern perspective while also developing new intellectual properties. This strategy was highlighted by the recent announcement of Impossible Creatures, aimed at establishing a foundation for storytelling that can resonate with audiences for generations.
Additionally, Johansson is making her feature directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, starring June Squibb, which recently premiered in theaters with a remarkable 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and received a six-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. This summer, she also starred in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme and Universal’s Jurassic World Rebirth, which has grossed $867.9 million, making it the third highest-grossing MPA title of the year. Johansson’s impressive filmography has collectively earned over $17.7 billion at the global box office, showcasing her status as a powerhouse in the industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on Disney’s Tangled live-action adaptation as it progresses through development!
