Tangled was supposed to be one of the next Disney live-action remakes, part of the shift into reimaginings of Disney’s truly modern properties, with nothing from the 2010s getting this treatment yet. However, the project was indefinitely shelved in April 2025, despite rumors of different stars being considered for the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
Now, ᴅᴇᴀᴅline reports that Disney’s live-action Tangled is once again in active development, with the highest-grossing star in Hollywood in talks to portray the villain — this would be Scarlett Johansson, who is circling the role of Mother Gothel. The Greatest Showman‘s Michael Gracey is reportedly still directing, based on Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s script.
Tangled was released by Disney in 2010, a new take on the classic tale of Rapunzel. The animated feature follows a young princess, unaware of her royal status, as she flees the tower where she was raised with a thief who stumbles upon her to fulfill a lifelong dream. Giving fantastic vocal performances, the movie stars Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy.
Disney’s 21st-century live-action remakes of the animated classics, including the likes of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lilo & Sтιтch, have grossed billions worldwide. However, following 2025’s Snow White dramatic flop, Disney paused development on Tangled. Things may now be starting up again because of Lilo & Sтιтch‘s success, suggesting remakes of more modern movies will do better.
Previous reports revealed that supermodel Gigi Hadid auditioned for Rapunzel while Bridgerton‘s Corey Mylchreest auditioned for Flynn for the live-action Tangled before the project was allegedly cancelled. Mother Gothel, meanwhile, will be a new challenge for Johansson. Tangled‘s Gothel is cunningly manipulative and was previously brought to life by Murphy’s incredible singing voice.
However, Johansson is also a two-time Oscar nominee and a box office powerhouse, and has musical experience. She previously starred in a different Disney live-action remake, voicing Kaa in 2016’s The Jungle Book. Johansson has also reportedly been working on a new Tower of Terror movie at Disney, confirming that the team was still working on it in July 2025.
Disney, meanwhile, has its live-action remake of Moana coming out next year. Tangled, now also being in development again, signals Disney’s intention to forge ahead with this niche of the live-action remake trend, focusing on the Disney Princesses of the 2010s. Lilo & Sтιтch was a good sign for these projects, but it is still challenging new territory for Disney.
