4t Scarlett Johansson is currently the frontrunner to play Mother Gothel in the live-action remake of the animated hit Tangled. The casting decision has sparked immediate backlash on social media, with fans wondering whether she can deliver the character’s signature haunting and dramatic tone, and has sparked debate about casting choices in Disney’s blockbuster adaptations.
One of Disney’s princesses is ready to take on the throne of live-action remakes as the movie, Tangled, is officially back in motion, and new reports say that Disney’s own Black Widow star, Scarlett Johansson, might take on the role of Mother Gothel, Rapunzel’s manipulative stepmother and one of Disney’s most iconic villains.
The Tangled Remake Is Finally Moving Forward
For months, the live-action remake of Tangled remained just an idea before official word about it finally came out. With the blockbuster success Disney had from plenty of their other live-action remakes like Lilo and Stitch and Aladdin, it’s no wonder the Tangled project came back to life.
The project seems to be in good hands as news came out that director Michael Gracey, known for directing the famous Hugh Jackman movie, The Greatest Showman, is directing the film. Which means, we can expect grand visuals and an unforgettable musical in the live-action remake.
Johansson as Mother Gothel
During the early signs and word about a Rapunzel live-action remake, Scarlett Johansson was thought to take in the role of the long-haired princess herself, Rapunzel. But now, plenty of sources say that she’s being groomed to be Mother Gothel instead. This does make sense, seeing the kind of aura Scarlett Johansson emits whenever she’s on screen.
Even during her well-known roles, like the Black Widow in the Avengers films. She may be considered a hero, but she’s portrayed as a cold-hearted killer who grew up in a facility where they make killers. Not to mention a minor role she had in the live-action remake of The Jungle Book, where she played a literal, manipulative snake. If that doesn’t scream Mother Gothel to you, then you’re something else.
What to Expect from the Story
We would most likely expect that Disney would mostly stay true to the heart of the original story, Rapunzel’s journey to freedom, love, and self-discovery, but with a more grounded, down-to-earth, and emotional tone. But what else can we expect in the remake is that we get to delve deeper into Gothel’s obsession with youth and immortality.
And just like other live-action remakes, you can expect to hear the movie’s most iconic songs from the original, and just like with what they did to movies like Aladdin and The Jungle Book, not only will they bring back the original hits, but we might be treated to new and original songs as well.
When Could It Release?
Though the live-action film is still in its very early stages, we can’t really expect any official release date soon. But reports do say that progress is being made, and we might just expect to see its eventual theatrical release in 2027. With the studio on the lookout for the perfect casting, it seems like we will see Rapunzel tower through the struggles and find her way back onto the big screen.
With Scarlett Johansson’s talent in both acting and singing, Tangled’s live-action remake could become one of Disney’s most anticipated movies of the year. From the aesthetics to the nostalgia, you can always expect Disney to make you feel the magic.
