Kathryn Hahn has officially confirmed she will play Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled remake. The actress announced the news herself via Instagram, wearing a t-shirt featuring the animated version of the villain.
The Villain Announcement
Hahn’s Instagram post shows her in jeans, glasses, and a shirt plastered with images of Mother Gothel from the 2010 animated film, originally voiced by Donna Murphy. The post ends months of speculation about who would take on the villainous role.
The confirmation comes after Scarlett Johansson exited discussions to film Batman II and The Exorcist reboot. Johansson’s involvement had generated significant buzz, leaving the role vacant until Hahn’s announcement.
Hahn’s Background for the Villain Role
Hahn brings impressive credentials to the role:
- Made Broadway debut in 2008 with Boeing-Boeing
- Film credits include Anchorman, Step Brothers, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
- Earned acclaim playing Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s WandaVision and Agatha All Along
- Demonstrated vocal abilities in Agatha All Along, important for Tangled’s musical elements
- Recently starred in Apple TV’s The Studio
Her work as Agatha Harkness showcased her ability to portray villains who appear friendly before revealing darker motivations, a character arc similar to Mother Gothel’s relationship with Rapunzel.
The Cast
Hahn joins previously announced leads:
Teagan Croft (Raven on HBO Max’s Titans) as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim (Disney’s Zombies franchise) as Flynn Rider
The roles were originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in the animated film, which grossed nearly $600 million worldwide and earned an Oscar nomination for “I See the Light.”
Behind the Camera
Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman and Better Man, will helm the project. His experience with visually spectacular musical films makes him well-suited for bringing Tangled’s world to life, including the iconic lantern scene.
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson wrote the screenplay. Her recent credits include Thor: Love and Thunder, Do Revenge, and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Kristin Burr produces, continuing her Disney relationship from projects like Cruella (2021).
The Music
While no official announcement has been made, it’s expected that Alan Menken and Glenn Slater’s fan-favorite songs from the animated version will be utilized. These include “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I’ve Got a Dream,” and “I See the Light.”
Mother Gothel’s villain song “Mother Knows Best” will be particularly important for establishing Hahn’s interpretation, as it brilliantly illustrates the character’s manipulative tactics through lyrics that disguise control as maternal concern.
Turbulent Development
The casting comes after significant uncertainty nearly derailed the project. Following intense backlash surrounding Disney’s live-action Snow White in 2025, sources indicated Tangled was quietly scrapped as Disney reassessed its slate.
Concerns over fan fatigue, creative direction, and public perception reportedly forced Disney to pause development, leaving the project’s future in doubt.
However, last year’s billion-dollar hit Lilo & Stitch (2025) proved Disney still has live-action prowess when projects are executed well.
Why Hahn Works for This Villain
Mother Gothel is one of Disney’s most psychologically complex villains, manipulating Rapunzel through emotional abuse disguised as maternal protection rather than relying on physical force or magic alone.
Hahn’s range across comedy, drama, and musical performance makes her well-suited to tackle this complexity. Her ability to be simultaneously funny, threatening, and emotionally manipulative aligns perfectly with Mother Gothel’s character.
What’s Next
No release date or production start has been confirmed. With the major cast now in place, Disney appears ready to move forward after the project’s near-cancellation.
Questions remain about how Tangled will be received in a post-Snow White landscape, but the strong cast and creative team provide reasons for optimism.
The original Tangled debuted in 2010, earning $200 million domestically and spawning a spinoff TV series and cruise ship musical. A full stage version is also in development.
