By Anna Ferraz
Disney’s live-action remake for ‘Tangled’ has resumed development, with Scarlett Johansson teased for the role of Mother Gothel.
After months of uncertainty, the studio has resumed work on its highly anticipated remake of ‘Tangled’, the beloved 2010 animated film that reimagined the story of Rapunzel for a new generation.
The news was confirmed by Deadline, which noted that the project is officially “resuming early development.”
While a director and finalized script have yet to be announced, insiders suggest that the reboot will stay faithful to the original story’s core themes while offering a fresh take for modern audiences.
The film is still in early stages, with casting and creative direction actively in progress.
Johansson eyed for Mother Gothel
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing detail so far is the potential casting of Johansson.
According to Deadline, the actress is being teased as a frontrunner to play the iconic villain Mother Gothel, the character who manipulates and imprisons Rapunzel to maintain her own youth and power.
If cast, Johansson would bring serious star power and dramatic depth to the role.
Best known for her action-packed portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson has also earned acclaim for complex, emotionally layered performances in films like ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Her’.
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Sadie Sink, McKenna Grace among frontrunners for Rapunzel
The search for the perfect Rapunzel is reportedly underway, with multiple young stars being considered for the lead role.
As reported by GeekTyrant, “Sadie Sink, McKenna Grace, Emma Myers, and Isabel May” are among the top names in contention.
Sadie Sink, widely known for her role as Max Mayfield in ‘Stranger Things’, has emerged as a fan-favorite.
Her early days playing Annie on Broadway and her ability to portray emotionally rich characters makes her a strong fit for Rapunzel, a role that demands vocals, vulnerability, and fierce confidence.
With no official casting announcements made yet, fans are eagerly speculating online about who will land the lead role.
A strategic move in Disney’s live-action era
The ‘Tangled’ remake is part of Disney’s broader strategy to breathe new life into its animated library through live-action adaptations.
This formula has produced major box-office hits, including ‘The Lion King’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Aladdin’, and most recently, ‘The Little Mermaid’.
While opinions are often divided over remakes, the financial success and continued demand prove that audiences remain curious and engaged.
The original ‘Tangled’ was a major success, both critically and commercially, grossing approximately $592.5 million worldwide and introducing an Oscar-nominated soundtrack featuring “I See the Light”.
The bar is set high, and the live-action version will have to meet fan expectations not just in storytelling, but also in visuals and music.
What’s next for ‘Tangled’ in live action?
With development now active, more concrete updates are expected in the coming months, including the announcement of a director, full cast, and production timeline.
Disney is likely aiming for a theatrical release, potentially as part of its 2026-27 slate, although no official date has been revealed.
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