Tangled Live-Action: Surprising Cast Change for Mother Gothel

Whispers have been circulating for some time about the line-up for Disney’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Tangled. Early speculation had Scarlett Johansson pegged for the part of Mother Gothel, the story’s central villain. However, recent reports suggest that Paniz Rahnama may have edged her out for the role, marking a significant shift in the project’s direction.

Unexpected Casting for a Classic Villain

News of Rahnama’s involvement has caught many off guard. Until now, her career has largely unfolded in Bollywood, with credits in series such as Bard of Blood and Drive, as well as the drama Smoke. Should she secure the part, this would be her first foray into Hollywood, and quite the introduction at that. The casting process appears to be in its final stages, with Rahnama reportedly undergoing test screenings for the role of the infamous antagonist.

Johansson, initially considered a frontrunner, is said to have stepped aside due to scheduling conflicts, notably her commitment to portraying Poison Ivy in the forthcoming The Batman Part II. This development has left the door open for Rahnama to make her mark in a major studio production.

Who Else Is Joining the Tangled Ensemble?

While Disney has yet to make any official announcements regarding the principal cast, several names have surfaced in connection with the project. Sarah Catherine Hook, recognised for her performance in White Lotus, is reportedly a strong contender for the role of Rapunzel. Meanwhile, Milo Manheim, familiar to audiences from Disney’s Zombies franchise, is tipped to take on the part of Flynn Rider.

The original animated film, directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, featured Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, and Ron Perlman in key roles. It enjoyed both critical and commercial success, boasting a healthy box office return and high ratings from critics and viewers alike. The live-action version, with its evolving cast, is shaping up to be a focal point of conversation among fans and industry watchers.

Johansson’s Future with Disney: Behind the Camera?

Although Johansson may not be donning the mantle of a Disney villain this time, her interest in the studio’s future projects remains undiminished. She has expressed a desire to move into directing, particularly within the Marvel universe. Reflecting on her experience as both star and executive producer of Black Widow, she shared her thoughts on the prospect of helming a major production:

I think the movies that I like that are big action movies also have the human connectivity piece. Even producing Black Widow and being a part of the production of that, and the development of the story, and the story between Natasha and Yelena… [there is] I think, a way of doing it, a way of maintaining the integrity of the idea of human connection, family, disappointment, all of the things that were themes in [Eleanor the Great], and doing it in a giant way in a giant universe — there’s ways of doing that… So, yeah, definitely, it could be, it would be fun.

Her comments suggest that, while she may not be seen on screen in this particular Disney outing, her creative ambitions could see her take on a new role behind the scenes in the not-too-distant future.

Both Black Widow and Tangled are currently available to stream on Disney+ in the US.