Disney has officially confirmed that Kathryn Hahn will portray Mother Gothel in the upcoming live-action remake of Tangled, ending long-standing speculation surrounding the casting. This announcement came on March 10, when Hahn shared a playful social media clip revealing her role and embracing the character’s persona.
The Long-Awaited Casting of Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel
For months, rumors circulated that Kathryn Hahn was in talks to play Mother Gothel in Disney’s Tangled live-action adaptation, a news she avoided confirming until recently. During the Actor’s Awards, an interviewer asked,
“Who here would like to see Kathryn Hahn play Mother Gothel,”
sparking widespread attention to Hahn’s subtle reaction. The clip was widely shared online with fans commenting on her nervous response.
Kathryn Hahn responded to the speculation by saying,
“It’s a fun part,”
demonstrating a reserved but positive attitude toward the role. The confirmation officially closes previous rumors about Scarlett Johansson’s involvement; Johansson was rumored to be considered for the role amid her busy schedule, including work on her first horror project, The Exorcist, directed by Mike Flanagan. Ultimately, Hahn proved to be the ideal choice for the character.
The Complex Development of Tangled’s Live-Action Adaptation
Tangled has become one of Disney’s cherished animated features since its release, adapting the classic German fairy tale Rapunzel with a contemporary musical spin. Directed by Byron Howard, known for Zootopia and Encanto, alongside Nathan Greno, the original film featured voices from Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy. Although not a massive box office hit, earning $595.2 million against a $260 million budget, its cultural impact turned it into a beloved favorite.
Following the original film, Disney released Tangled: Before Ever After and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, solidifying the story’s extended universe. Disney’s commitment to the franchise led to plans for a live-action version amid a wave of similar remakes, including confirmation of an upcoming Tinker Bell live-action series.
Development faced delays after Disney paused production in April 2025, due to controversies involving its Snow White live-action project, but Tangled resumed later that year in October. By early January, Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim were cast as Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder, respectively, moving the remake closer to realization. Despite progress, the official release date for the live-action Tangled remains unannounced.
Impact and Anticipation Surrounding the New Tangled Adaptation
Kathryn Hahn’s official casting as Mother Gothel marks a significant milestone for the Tangled remake and indicates Disney’s commitment to honoring the original’s charm while bringing fresh energy to its characters. Her established reputation, enhanced by roles like Agatha All Along, adds credibility and excitement to the project. Fans and industry watchers will be closely following this adaptation, awaiting further casting announcements and a release timeline.
