Kathryn Hahn Eyes Villainous Role in Disney’s Tangled Remake
Kathryn Hahn is reportedly negotiating to play Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled, following her acclaimed turn as Agatha in Marvel’s Agatha All Along. Casting for Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder is also confirmed, but the release date remains under wraps.
Disney appears to be closing in on its next formidable antagonist, with Kathryn Hahn reportedly in discussions to portray Mother Gothel in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled. The role, infamous for its blend of maternal manipulation and magical mischief, would see Hahn step into the shoes of Rapunzel’s captor—a character who, in this version, is less a fairy-tale stepmother and more a cunning sorceress obsessed with eternal youth. The original animated film’s twist on the classic tale has Gothel spiriting Rapunzel away as an infant, keeping her hidden in a tower to exploit the girl’s enchanted, glowing hair.
Disney has yet to make any official statements regarding Hahn’s potential involvement. However, the prospect of her return to witchcraft on screen is already generating a fair bit of excitement. Hahn, of course, is no stranger to the supernatural, having made a memorable impression as Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s WandaVision spin-off, Agatha All Along. Her vocal talents, showcased in that series, suggest she’s more than capable of tackling Gothel’s signature numbers, including the slyly sinister “Mother Knows Best” and the haunting “Healing Incantation.”
New Faces for Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder
News of Hahn’s possible casting comes hot on the heels of announcements regarding the film’s leads. Teagan Croft, recognised for her portrayal of Raven in the Titans series, is set to take on the role of the long-locked princess. Opposite her, Milo Manheim—familiar to audiences from Disney’s Zombies franchise—will play the quick-witted Flynn Ryder, the thief whose unexpected arrival upends Rapunzel’s sheltered existence.
Details about the plot remain tightly guarded, though it’s widely assumed the adaptation will hew closely to the 2010 animated original. That film followed Rapunzel’s journey from isolation to self-discovery, as she escapes her tower with Flynn’s help and uncovers the truth about her past. If recent Disney remakes are anything to go by, audiences can expect a faithful retelling, albeit with a few live-action flourishes.
Behind the Scenes: Director and Script
While the cameras have yet to start rolling, the creative team is already in place. Michael Gracey, whose previous credits include The Greatest Showman and Better Man, is set to direct. The script comes courtesy of Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Thor: Love and Thunder. With such names attached, expectations are running high, though the studio has not yet revealed when production will begin or when the film might reach cinemas.
For now, fans will have to content themselves with speculation and the occasional casting update. In the meantime, there’s always the option to revisit Disney’s animated classics or keep an eye out for the next wave of live-action adaptations on the horizon.