After a full year of swirling rumours, it has been officially confirmed that Disney is in negotiations with actress Kathryn Hahn to take on the iconic villain role in the upcoming live-action remake of Tangled.
From Rumour to Reality: Hahn as Mother Gothel
According to sources speaking to Deadline on Thursday, Hahn, 52, is currently in talks with the studio to portray the scheming Mother Gothel. The character infamously kidnaps Princess Rapunzel to harness the magical, youth-giving properties of her long, golden hair. The news brings to a close months of speculation about who would step into the role originally voiced by Donna Murphy in the beloved 2010 animated film.
The path to this point saw another major Hollywood name in the frame. Last autumn, it appeared that Scarlett Johansson was eyeing the part. However, the two-time Academy Award nominee ultimately withdrew from consideration due to an overwhelmingly busy schedule, which includes upcoming projects like Batman II and The Exorcist.
Many fans online had previously expressed that Hahn, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation, Transparent, and Bad Moms, would be a superior fit for the villainous part. The studio subsequently opened discussions with the actress, who is fresh from a Golden Globe nomination last year for her starring role in the Marvel series Agatha All Along.
Fan Reaction and Casting Controversies
The potential casting has sparked a significant reaction from cinema fans. On platforms like Reddit, the sentiment has been largely supportive of Hahn's involvement. One user remarked, "I'm honestly surprised they didn't go to her first," in reference to the earlier Johansson rumours. Another commented, "I don’t want a live action Tangled… I just don’t. But if there is going to be one… I will look forward to Kathryn Hahn in this role."
However, the casting process for the remake has not been without its controversies. Earlier this week, some fans expressed shock over the reported casting of Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, with reactions ranging from supportive to those who felt Disney had "fumbled" the decision.
On social media platform X, the speculation about Hahn has drawn mixed responses. While some declared the casting "perfect," others called it "boring" or a "too safe a choice." Alternative suggestions from fans included actresses like Helena Bonham Carter or Idina Menzel for the role of Gothel.
The Road to the Live-Action Tower
The live-action adaptation of Tangled was officially confirmed to be in development in December 2024. At that time, Variety reported that Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, was in talks to helm the project. The script is reportedly being written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Thor: Love and Thunder.
Hahn herself has shown enthusiasm for the prospect. When asked by Entertainment Tonight in December 2024 if she would be interested in the role, she excitedly replied, "Yes. I mean I'm really good at karaoke." This musical confidence is well-founded, as she recently performed a musical number alongside Broadway legend Patti LuPone in Agatha All Along, an experience she joked was humbling.
As it stands, Disney has not provided an official comment on the ongoing negotiations, and representatives for Kathryn Hahn have yet to respond to requests for further detail from outlets including the Daily Mail. The project continues to move forward, promising a new take on the story of the princess with the magical hair.
