Ever since Disney’s Tangled graced the silver screen in 2010, fans have been captivated by the vibrant world of Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) and her sinister kidnapper, Mother Gothel. The film not only reimagined the classic fairy tale with stunning animation and a memorable soundtrack, but it also left audiences with a villain as intriguing as she was devious.
Mother Gothel, voiced by Donna Murphy, used Rapunzel’s magical hair to retain her youth, keeping the princess locked in a secluded tower for nearly her entire life. Despite her villainy, Gothel’s wit and charm made her a standout character.
Related: 10 Ways to Get Your ‘Tangled’ Fix at Walt Disney World
Now, rumors suggest that Disney may be planning to dig deeper into her backstory with a solo film. But not all fans are on board.
According to industry insider DanielRPK, Disney is reportedly considering a Mother Gothel movie. The film could potentially follow in the footsteps of Cruella (2021), offering an origin story or unique perspective on the character.
However, Disney has yet to confirm these reports, leaving fans speculating whether this project will come to fruition.
Disney is reportedly considering making a ‘MOTHER GOTHEL’ film.
(via @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/B9Js2cS501
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) December 27, 2024
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The prospect of a Mother Gothel film sparked an outpouring of opinions on social media. Some fans eagerly embraced the idea, seeing it as an opportunity to explore a fascinating villain in greater depth.
In the DVD that I have of Tangled there was an early/alternative motive established, where Gothel had the flower grown in her own garden and refused to give into the guards as they asked for it. I’m kinda glad they scrapped that so there’s less of a reason to sympathize with her.
As for a whole film about Mother Gothel, I think it would be really neat to see how she got to know about the magic of the flower and how to harness that. Or even all of Tangled but what she did off screen.
As for a whole film about Mother Gothel, I think it would be really neat to see how she got to know about the magic of the flower and how to harness that. Or even all of Tangled but what she did off screen.
— ChaoticNekomancer (@NekomancerChaos) December 28, 2024
Others, however, were less enthusiastic, feeling that Disney did not need to make another villain origin story, despite the popularity of movies like Cruella.
Oh ffs….You know, you don’t have to give everyone their own prequel film, Disney. I like Mother Gothel but we never needed to know what her life was like before Rapunzel. She was a woman desperate to remain young and thus kidnapped and locked a child in a tower- (Cont.)
…for her magical hair. What more do we need? Anything else was touched upon in Tangled the series perfectly. I dunno, I really try to be positive but it feels like Disney has just gotten lazy. Why try new ideas when you can just expand on an existing series or remake it?
…for her magical hair. What more do we need? Anything else was touched upon in Tangled the series perfectly. I dunno, I really try to be positive but it feels like Disney has just gotten lazy. Why try new ideas when you can just expand on an existing series or remake it? (Cont)
— Jckspacy ⛩️ (@Jckspacy) December 28, 2024
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Amid the heated debates, some fans have already begun fantasy casting for the potential film. One name that keeps cropping up is Kathryn Hahn, known for her standout role as Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s WandaVision and her new series, Agatha All Along.
PLEASE PLEASE AN ENTIRE FILM WITH KATHRYN HAHN AS MOTHER GOTHEL AND AS THE MAIN CHARACTER. THIS IS KATHRYNS UNIVERSE NOW.
PLEASE PLEASE AN ENTIRE FILM WITH KATHRYN HAHN AS MOTHER GOTHEL AND AS THE MAIN CHARACTER. THIS IS KATHRYNS UNIVERSE NOW. https://t.co/OOHyeA6z96
— Fire | AAA season 2 (@mcuAgathasWife) December 28, 2024
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In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hahn hinted that she’d be open to taking on the role if the opportunity arose. This revelation sent fans into a frenzy, with many calling for Disney to make it happen.
Kathryn Hahn just might be on board to play Mother Gothel in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of ‘Tangled’!
Kathryn Hahn just might be on board to play Mother Gothel in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of ‘Tangled’! pic.twitter.com/MldLUHjUN3
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) December 18, 2024
While the Mother Gothel movie remains unconfirmed, it’s clear that Disney’s foray into villain-centric films has resonated with audiences. With hits like Maleficent (2014) and Cruella, the studio has demonstrated its ability to craft compelling narratives around its iconic antagonists.
For now, fans can only wait to see if the rumors come true. Will Mother Gothel join the ranks of Disney’s celebrated villain films, or will the character’s story remain as it is—a mystery wrapped in youthful ambition?
What are your thoughts on the possibility of a Mother Gothel movie? Would you like to see Disney explore her origins, or do you think it’s time to move on to new stories? Let us know in the comments below!
