Beyond ‘Agatha’: Kathryn Hahn Is Disney’s New Mother Gothel
Get Ready for Kathryn Hahn’s Rendition of “Mother Knows Best”
Disney has officially ended the fan-casting games. After months of rumors and a few “witch/which” actress jokes, the studio confirmed that Kathryn Hahn will step into the iconic velvet cloak of Mother Gothel for the upcoming live-action “Tangled” remake.
Hahn herself broke the news on Instagram earlier this month, sporting a vintage-style Mother Gothel shirt and updating her bio to “mother knows best.” The announcement follows a brief period during which Scarlett Johansson was reportedly circling the role before bowing out due to her commitments to “The Batman Part II” and “The Exorcist.”
Instead of a complete unknown, Disney is leaning into Hahn’s proven ability to play the deliciously wicked mentor we love to hate. Here is everything you need to know about the “Tangled” cast, the director, and when you might actually see those floating lanterns on the big screen.
What is the live-action “Tangled” about?
While we expect the film to closely follow the 2010 animated classic, this reimagining is being described as a “sweeping musical adventure” that brings the scale of a Broadway production to the screen.
The story remains the same: Rapunzel, a princess with seventy feet of magical golden hair, has been locked in a tower for eighteen years by the manipulative Mother Gothel. When the kingdom’s most wanted bandit, Flynn Rider, hides out in her tower, the unlikely duo strikes a deal to see the floating lights that appear every year on her birthday.
Disney has tapped Michael Gracey—the visionary behind “The Greatest Showman”—to direct, so expect the musical numbers like “I See the Light” to be absolute showstoppers.
Live-action “Tangled” release date
Disney has not yet set a firm release date for “Tangled”. However, with principal photography expected to begin later this year, industry experts are eyeing a Holiday 2027 or Summer 2028 theatrical window. This follows Disney’s pattern of massive live-action releases like “Moana,” which hits theaters this July.
Live-action “Tangled” cast highlights
The trio at the heart of the tower is officially locked in, stepping into roles made famous by the original 2010 voice cast:
- Teagan Croft as Rapunzel: Taking over for Mandy Moore, Croft (best known from “Titans”) beat out heavily rumored contenders like Sabrina Carpenter and Florence Pugh.
- Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider: Stepping into the boots of Zachary Levi, the “Zombies” star reportedly had the best chemistry with Croft during screen tests.
- Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel: Following the legendary vocal performance of Donna Murphy, Hahn’s casting was confirmed after Scarlett Johansson moved on to other projects.
The script is being penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for “Thor: Love and Thunder,” suggesting the banter between Flynn and Rapunzel will be as sharp as ever.
How to watch the “Tangled” franchise
If you want to revisit Corona before the live-action version arrives, here is where to stream the magic:
- Streaming home: The original 2010 “Tangled,” the short film “Tangled Ever After,” and the entire “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure” series are available on Disney+.
- Live experience: For those traveling this summer, “Tangled: The Musical” continues to be a staple aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship.
- Theatrical future: The live-action remake is confirmed as a theatrical-exclusive release, likely hitting Disney+ three to four months after its debut.
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