Scarlett Johansson Exits Disney’s Live-Action Tangled Remake

Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled has hit a significant snag with the departure of one of its key cast members. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Scarlett Johansson is no longer attached to play the film’s villain, Mother Gothel, due to a busy slate of upcoming projects.

Casting Shake-Up for Key Role

Johansson’s exit is attributed to her commitments to other high-profile films, including a lead role in Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist and a part in Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II. Mother Gothel is the character who imprisons Rapunzel in a tower to harness the magical, youth-giving properties of her hair. While Johansson was officially confirmed for the role, scheduling conflicts have forced her to step away.

The Search for Rapunzel and a New Villain

Simultaneously, Disney is actively searching for its lead actress to portray Rapunzel. The Hollywood Reporter lists several young actors who have reportedly tested for the part, including:

• Freya Skye (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires)
• Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus)
• Teagan Croft (Titans)
• Olivia-Mai Barrett (Invasion)

With Johansson’s departure, speculation has resurfaced that Disney may return to its original rumored plan of casting Kathryn Hahn (Agatha All Along) as Mother Gothel, an idea that was previously popular with fans.

A Troubled Production History

The live-action Tangled has experienced a turbulent development cycle. The project was first rumored in 2023, with initial fan-casting suggesting Florence Pugh as Rapunzel and original voice actor Zachary Levi returning as Flynn Rider. Directorial rumors initially swirled around Baz Luhrmann (Elvis), but by December 2024, Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) was officially enlisted to direct.

The film was reportedly shelved following the underwhelming box office performance of 2024’s Snow White, only to be resurrected after the success of the Lilo & Stitch remake. These production delays are cited as a primary reason for the recent casting changes.

Looking Ahead

Given the extensive CGI work typically involved in Disney’s live-action remakes, the film is not expected to reach cinemas for at least a couple of years. The upcoming release of Moana this summer will serve as another key test of audience appetite for such remakes.

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