Disney has announced a significant change to its upcoming live-action remake of the 2010 film Tangled by replacing Scarlett Johansson, who was initially cast in a leading role. The studio’s decision reflects ongoing scheduling conflicts, marking a new direction for this highly anticipated project. Kathryn Hahn is now in negotiations to take over Johansson’s role, signaling a fresh chapter for the Disney adaptation.
New Casting Developments in the Tangled Live-Action Film
Variety recently confirmed that Kathryn Hahn is being considered to portray Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action retelling of Tangled. This casting would position her alongside Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim playing Flynn Rider, the couple central to the story’s romantic and adventurous elements. Hahn steps into a role originally voiced by Donna Murphy in the animated version, where Mother Gothel is a villainous figure who uses magical powers to maintain her youth and immortality.
The film’s plot centers on Mother Gothel’s manipulation of Rapunzel’s magical hair, which allows the villain to extend her life. In the original story, Gothel kidnaps Rapunzel after the princess’s mother is healed using a magical golden flower, setting off the chain of events that define the movie’s narrative.
Scarlett Johansson was originally attached to play Mother Gothel, as revealed earlier this year by The Hollywood Reporter. However, she exited the project before casting talks with Hahn began. The live-action Tangled is directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who worked on Thor: Love and Thunder, overseeing the screenplay. Despite progress in casting, the film has yet to announce a production timeline or release date.
Scarlett Johansson’s Upcoming Projects After Leaving Tangled
Following her departure from Tangled, Scarlett Johansson remains heavily involved in other high-profile films. She is reportedly signed on to star in Matt Reeves’ The Batman – Part II for DC Studios, where she will reunite with MCU veteran Sebastian Stan alongside Robert Pattinson and Andy Serkis. Although Johansson’s exact role has not been disclosed, insiders suggest she might play a pivotal character who could be both a romantic interest for Bruce Wayne and possess a darker side.
The demanding schedule for The Batman sequel likely contributed to Johansson’s decision to step away from the Disney remake, as the filming dates for both projects likely overlapped. Aside from DC, Johansson is set to headline a new installment in The Exorcist franchise, directed by Mike Flanagan and produced by Blumhouse and Universal. This new chapter aims to revitalize the series after the previous film, The Exorcist: Believer, underperformed at the box office in 2023.
Though Johansson’s exit from Tangled marks a shift, it does not signal an end to her collaboration with Disney. Fans remain hopeful that she may return as Black Widow in upcoming Avengers films, although no confirmation has been given at this time.
Looking Ahead: What This Change Means for Tangled and Johansson
Replacing Scarlett Johansson with Kathryn Hahn could bring a new dynamic to Disney’s Tangled, offering audiences a fresh take on the iconic villain, Mother Gothel. Hahn’s casting may inject renewed energy into the project, which remains in the early stages without a determined release date. For Johansson, focusing on roles in The Batman – Part II and The Exorcist reboot allows her to explore varied and challenging characters, maintaining her status as an influential presence in Hollywood.
This casting update highlights the complexities of scheduling for major stars involved in multiple franchises, particularly those balancing large-scale studio commitments like Disney and DC. Moving forward, fans of both the Tangled story and Johansson’s work will be closely watching how these projects unfold, influenced by these notable shifts in casting and production timelines.
“While anticipation was building to see Johansson in Tangled, the Oscar-nominee has no shortage of projects on her schedule to keep her busy.” – Richard Nebens, Senior Writer, The Direct
“Johansson is also set to lead Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist movie, which is being developed under Blumhouse and Universal.” – Richard Nebens, Senior Writer, The Direct
“Should the casting become official, she would join Titans star Teagan Croft and Zombies franchise lead Milo Manheim, who will portray the princess Rapunzel and her love interest, Flynn Rider, respectively.” – Richard Nebens, Senior Writer, The Direct
“The live-action Tangled is directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) and written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder).” – Richard Nebens, Senior Writer, The Direct
