Scarlett Johansson Departs Disney for The Batman 2 and Exorcist

Scarlett Johansson, once linked to the role of Mother Gothel, has reportedly withdrawn from Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled. While the studio presses ahead with its remake ambitions following a rather mixed 2025, Johansson’s schedule is now dominated by fresh commitments, including parts in The Batman Part II and Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist reboot. Tangled, meanwhile, has finally advanced to casting tests in London, even as it continues to search for its leading stars.

Johansson’s New Projects: Gotham and the Supernatural

Industry speculation has been rife regarding Johansson’s involvement in The Batman Part II. Early fan theories suggested she might portray characters such as Andrea Beaumont, Vicki Vale, or Poison Ivy. However, a more grounded rumour has emerged, with insider Jeff Sneider indicating she is likely to play Gilda Gold, Harvey Dent’s wife. This character, first introduced in Detective Comics #66 in 1942, is central to Dent’s transformation into Two-Face and features prominently in Batman: The Long Halloween, where her private confession about the Holiday murders remains a secret from Gotham’s authorities.

Should Johansson indeed take on the role of Gilda, she would be positioned at the emotional heart of Dent’s narrative, rather than as a peripheral figure. On the horror front, Johansson is set to lead Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist reboot, joined by Jacobi Jupe, who is expected to play her son. Flanagan is due to begin filming in New York this March, following the completion of his work on Carrie. The director has stated:

Production hasn’t started, we need to finish CARRIE first. No way it’s coming out next March. Nothing to worry about though.

The project is being produced by Blumhouse and Morgan Creek, with Universal handling distribution after acquiring the rights for a reported $400 million. Flanagan has promised his “scariest film” to date, steering clear of simply retelling the classic possessed-girl story and instead focusing on moral complexity and spiritual tension.

Disney’s Tangled: Casting and Creative Shifts

Disney’s live-action Tangled faced delays following backlash over Snow White, but momentum has returned this year. Johansson was briefly attached as Mother Gothel before stepping aside, with Michael Gracey still set to direct. Filming is tentatively scheduled for June 2026 in the UK, though a release date remains unconfirmed.

Recent reports confirm that Disney has quietly conducted screen tests and chemistry reads in London for the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The shortlist for Rapunzel includes Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, Olivia-Mai Barrett, and Tegan Croft, while Lola Tung was unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts. The move towards casting younger actors suggests Disney is seeking to refresh Tangled’s appeal, rather than relying on established star power.

What Johansson’s Exit Means for Tangled

Johansson’s departure removes a high-profile name from the project, potentially allowing Tangled to establish its own identity without the weight of her Marvel legacy. However, her absence does leave a notable gap, one that casting alone may struggle to fill. As Disney recalibrates its approach, audiences are left to ponder whether Johansson’s decision was a shrewd career move or a missed opportunity for the studio to anchor Tangled with proven gravitas.

Disney’s live-action Tangled currently has no confirmed release date.