Disney’s ongoing wave of live-action remakes continues to make headlines, and now, the beloved animated classic Tangled is officially next in line. On March 10, 2026, fans’ wishes were granted when Kathryn Hahn was confirmed as the villainous Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action adaptation, a casting choice that has been met with widespread excitement and praise across social media.
Hahn, known for her dynamic roles in Agatha All Along, WandaVision, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, subtly broke the news herself by updating her Instagram bio to the iconic phrase “mother knows best” with a mirror emoji—a clever nod to her character’s signature song and memorable moments from the original 2010 film. Not stopping there, she posted a playful video collaboration with Disney Studios, donning a t-shirt emblazoned with images of the animated Mother Gothel. In the video, Hahn quipped, “Hey! OOTD, I just found out what that stands for. So here’s my outfit of the day,” before showing off her Gothel-themed shirt, adding, “Simple jeans, glasses, t-shirt. This is easy. You know, just another day.” She captioned the video, “OOTD, Mother Gothel.”
Disney Studios quickly amplified the announcement on their official Threads and Instagram accounts, referencing Gothel’s memorable line: “You want her to be the bad guy? FINE. Kathryn Hahn is Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled.” The fan response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Comments poured in, with one fan declaring, “WandaVision and Agatha All Along were just the casting auditions for this role,” and another exclaiming, “10/10 casting. No notes.” Many simply called it “perfect casting,” echoing the sentiment that Hahn was born to play the cunning, manipulative Gothel. Even Joe Locke, Hahn’s co-star from Agatha All Along, chimed in, writing, “This is the best news ever.”
For months, rumors swirled about who would bring Mother Gothel to life. Scarlett Johansson was reportedly in the running, but ultimately withdrew due to other film commitments, including The Batman: Part II and The Exorcist reboot. This left the door open for Hahn, whose recent Emmy-nominated performance in The Studio and her standout work as Agatha Harkness had already convinced fans she was the ideal choice for Disney’s next memorable villain.
Joining Hahn in the highly anticipated remake are Australian actress Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. Croft is best known for her role as Rachel Roth in DC’s Titans series and for her performance in the film True Spirit. Manheim, a familiar face to Disney Channel viewers thanks to his lead role in the Zombies franchise, has also recently starred in a Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar and Off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors. Both actors shared their excitement on social media, with Manheim posting, “Too grateful to put into words. I will do him justice I promise,” and even receiving a congratulatory comment from Zachary Levi, who voiced Flynn in the original animated film: “Congrats, Milo! Now go do Eugene Fitzherbert proud.”
The live-action Tangled has had a journey as winding as Rapunzel’s hair. Development was first reported in 2020, a decade after the animated film’s release. Officially announced in December 2024 with Michael Gracey, acclaimed director of The Greatest Showman and Better Man, at the helm, the project faced a temporary halt in April 2025 following the underwhelming box office performance of Snow White. However, after the resounding success of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, production was revived in October 2025, with Gracey still attached as director and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson—whose credits include Thor: Love and Thunder and Do Revenge—penning the script.
While Disney has yet to confirm an official release date, production is slated to begin in the summer of 2026. If all goes according to plan, audiences could expect to see Tangled light up theaters in 2027. This timeline gives the creative team ample opportunity to deliver a film that lives up to the legacy of the original, which grossed $592 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song with “I See the Light.” The stage adaptation, Tangled: The Musical, premiered on the Disney Magic cruise ship in 2015 and a full stage version is currently in development, further testament to the story’s enduring popularity.
Fans are already speculating about the film’s music. While there’s no official word yet, it’s widely expected that Alan Menken and Glenn Slater’s beloved songs will return, potentially alongside new material. The original film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like “When Will My Life Begin?” and “Mother Knows Best,” played a huge part in its success and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The casting of Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel is not just a win for fans who campaigned for her selection, but also a strategic move for Disney as it seeks to recapture the magic of its animated classics in live-action form. The studio has seen mixed results with previous remakes—Lilo & Stitch soared at the box office with over $1 billion in receipts, while Snow White fell short of expectations with $205.7 million. The hope is that Tangled, with its compelling characters, memorable music, and now an all-star cast, will join the ranks of Disney’s most successful reimaginings.
The original Tangled (2010) introduced audiences to Rapunzel, a princess with magical, impossibly long hair, kept hidden in a tower by the vain and manipulative Mother Gothel, who exploits Rapunzel’s powers to maintain her own youth. The film’s blend of adventure, humor, and heart quickly made it a modern Disney favorite, spawning a spin-off TV series and even a stage musical. Now, with the live-action adaptation officially moving forward and fan-favorite casting choices confirmed, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch.
As production gears up for a summer start, all eyes are on Disney to see if this new chapter in the Tangled story will capture the imagination of a new generation. With Kathryn Hahn leading the charge as the unforgettable Mother Gothel, the odds look better than ever.