Disney’s Live-Action Tangled is Back in Motion, with Scarlett Johansson Eyeing the Iconic Role of Mother Gothel
Disney’s beloved animated hit Tangled is once again on the road to becoming a live-action movie, and the buzz is building: Scarlett Johansson is reportedly interested in stepping into the shoes of the captivating villain, Mother Gothel. But here’s where it gets controversial—this project has had a rocky start-and-stop history, raising questions about whether it’ll finally break through under the guidance of Michael Gracey, the director known for The Greatest Showman, with a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
The tangled tale was originally paused back in April after Disney’s recent Snow White live-action reboot didn't meet financial expectations, pulling in $206 million worldwide—a respectable sum, but not quite the blockbuster Disney hoped for. As Deadline highlights, there’s a notable difference between reviving Disney’s classic animated hits versus their newer live-action successes such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Lilo & Stitch. The latter have generally soared at the box office. For instance, Lilo & Stitch’s live-action reboot astonishingly raked in over $1 billion globally, which is nothing short of phenomenal!
As of now, Tangled remains in the early development stage and hasn’t officially received the green light. However, the original 2010 animated film was a major success, grossing $600 million worldwide and enchanting audiences with the story of Rapunzel — the long-haired heroine who’s been locked away in a tower her entire life. Everything changes when a daring thief unexpectedly finds her, leading her on a journey of discovery about the world outside and her own true identity.
But Disney isn’t just focusing on Tangled. Recently, the studio made headlines again by acquiring the rights to author Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures for a whopping seven-figure deal. This fantasy adventure centers on Christopher, who once saved a baby griffin, leading him to uncover a hidden archipelago filled with magical creatures whose magic is fading rapidly. Alongside Mal, a runaway girl in need of his help, Christopher embarks on a thrilling quest, facing mythical beings like sphinxes, kraken, and dragons. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that only they can save this magical world.
The price tag on Impossible Creatures is staggering, but analysts compare its potential impact to world-famous franchises such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight—literary properties that revolutionized young adult fiction and captivated millions. So far, two of the planned five books have hit shelves, with the latest, The Poisoned King, just released. Rundell’s work has earned her significant accolades, including Author of the Year and Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2024. With 4 million copies sold globally, the original trilogy idea has expanded to five books, with spin-offs and prequels in development.
Here’s a question that will definitely stir debate: What do you think about Scarlett Johansson potentially portraying the sly and manipulative Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled? And on the flip side, who do you imagine would be the perfect Rapunzel? This is the kind of casting that can make or break a film adaptation—so share your thoughts in the comments below. Are these choices spot-on or a step too far from the original vision? Let’s get the conversation going!
