Advertisement
After months of silence, Disney’s live-action Tangled is finally back in discussion. Earlier this year, the movie was reportedly put on hold due to creative disagreements and budget concerns following the underwhelming performance of Snow White at the box office. But according to a new update from Deadline, the much-loved animated story might soon make its way to the big screen again—with Scarlett Johansson in talks to join the cast.
Sources have revealed that Disney is revisiting its plans for the project and has quietly resumed early development. Johansson is being considered for the role of Mother Gothel, the controlling and manipulative villain who keeps Rapunzel locked away in the tower. If things go through, this would mark another major Disney collaboration for the actress, who previously starred as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The report also mentioned that Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, is being eyed to direct the movie, while Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who worked on Do Revenge and co-wrote Thor: Love and Thunder, is writing the script.
While Snow White’s disappointing run made Disney cautious, it doesn’t necessarily mean audiences have lost interest in live-action adaptations. Films like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and even the upcoming Lilo & Stitch have performed well or generated strong buzz. With Tangled, Disney sees another opportunity to bring a modern fairy tale to life—one that already has a massive fan base and beloved characters.
The challenge, however, lies in casting Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The pair’s chemistry and charm were key to the 2010 animated film’s success, and fans have been vocal about wanting the studio to get it right. Online discussions have been buzzing with suggestions, with Sabrina Carpenter and Milo Manheim emerging as popular fan favorites to play the lead roles.
The original Tangled featured Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Flynn, and it became one of Disney’s most adored animated films, praised for its humor, heart, and music. If this live-action adaptation moves forward, it could easily become one of the studio’s most anticipated projects in years—especially with Scarlett Johansson’s potential involvement adding even more star power.