Disney Revives ‘Tangled’ with Scarlett Johansson in Key Role
Disney is revitalizing its live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film, Tangled. The studio has resumed early development, with Scarlett Johansson being considered for the role of Mother Gothel. Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, remains attached to direct this project, with a script penned by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
Project Background and Development
The project faced delays in April 2023 due to concerns over the box office performance of Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White. However, Tangled is viewed differently in comparison to other classic Disney animations that have been reimagined for live-action. The trend of reviving beloved titles since 1989 has proven successful, as demonstrated by films such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.
Box Office Success of Live-Action Films
- The live-action version of Lilo & Stitch has become the highest-grossing MPA title of 2025, earning $1.03 billion worldwide.
- The original Tangled film, released in 2010, achieved nearly $600 million in global box office revenue.
The Story of Tangled
The narrative of Tangled focuses on Rapunzel, who has spent most of her life isolated in a tower. Her life changes dramatically when she encounters a thief, leading her to explore the outside world and uncover her true identity.
Disney’s Vision for Future Projects
Under its current leadership, Disney’s Live Action team aims to revisit classic stories while simultaneously investing in new intellectual properties, such as the recent announcement of Impossible Creatures. This strategy seeks to create a robust portfolio of narratives that can thrive across generations.
Scarlett Johansson’s Recent Work
Scarlett Johansson, actively involved in film productions, recently made her feature directorial debut with Eleanor the Great. This film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received significant acclaim, featuring a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, Johansson starred in two summer releases, contributing to her films grossing a total of $17.7 billion worldwide.
As the Disney Tangled project progresses, fans eagerly await the potential revival of this enchanting tale, poised to capture audiences once more with a fresh perspective.
