Scarlett Johansson in Talks for Disney's Live-Action Tangled: Latest Updates on the Reimagined Fairy Tale
Disney is reportedly revisiting the live-action adaptation of Tangled, with Scarlett Johansson in talks to play the role of Mother Gothel. The project, which was put on hold in April, is now back in early development with Michael Gracey set to direct. The script is being written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, based on the 2010 animated film.
The decision to pause the project was influenced by the performance of Disney's live-action Snow White adaptation at the box office. However, recent live-action remakes of classic Disney animated films, such as Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Lilo & Stitch, have been well-received by audiences. Lilo & Stitch, in particular, has been a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide in 2025.
While there has been no official green light for the Tangled project yet, the original animated film, which earned nearly $600 million globally, follows the story of Rapunzel, a young woman with magical long hair who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after meeting a runaway thief.
Disney's Live Action team is committed to reimagining classic stories for modern audiences and investing in new intellectual property. Scarlett Johansson, known for her recent directorial debut Eleanor the Great and roles in films like The Phoenician Scheme and Jurassic World Rebirth, is reportedly in talks to star in the Tangled adaptation.
With a track record of box office success and critical acclaim, Scarlett Johansson's involvement in the Tangled project could bring a fresh perspective to the beloved fairy tale. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in Disney's live-action adaptations.