MOVIE NEWS – Kathryn Hahn, known for her captivating portrayal of Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s WandaVision, is reportedly being considered for the role of Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action remake of Tangled. The original 2010 animated musical retells the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale about Rapunzel, a young woman with extraordinarily long hair who escapes her tower and explores the world. Disney announced plans for the live-action adaptation last year, though few updates have been shared since. Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, is rumored to helm the project, but official casting remains under wraps, leaving fans eager to speculate and dream-cast their favorite stars.
Kathryn Hahn gained widespread acclaim on Disney+ as the scheming Agatha Harkness in WandaVision. Following the series’ success, Marvel greenlit a spin-off titled Agatha: Coven of Chaos, set for release in 2024. Hahn’s witty and sinister performance turned the relatively obscure comic book character into one of the MCU’s most intriguing villains. Her work earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and fans are eagerly awaiting her next move. According to insider Daniel Richtman, Hahn is now being eyed to bring another iconic Disney villain to life as Mother Gothel.
Hahn seems like a natural fit for Gothel, given the parallels between the two characters. Both wield magic for self-serving purposes, are cunningly manipulative, and exude an air of mystery. Their vanity and willingness to exploit others, particularly under the guise of maternal care, further strengthen the connection. Additionally, Hahn showcased her vocal talents in WandaVision, proving she could handle Gothel’s signature song, Mother Knows Best, with ease.
Mother Gothel is a richly layered character, blending elements of charm, menace, and occasional humor. Other names floated for the role include Helena Bonham Carter, Catherine O’Hara, and Demi Moore. Bonham Carter’s eccentric and dramatic roles have cemented her as a fan favorite for such iconic characters. O’Hara, renowned for her comedic genius, could bring an entirely fresh energy to the part. Meanwhile, Demi Moore’s 2024 performance in The Substance, where she portrays a beauty-obsessed woman, echoes Gothel’s own vanity-driven motives, potentially adding a poignant touch to the character’s maternal struggles.
Casting suggestions for Rapunzel and her charming companion, Flynn Rider, are equally diverse. Taylor Zakhar Perez, Jonathan Bailey, and Fabien Frankel have been popular fan picks for the dashing, roguish Flynn. For Rapunzel, actors like Florence Pugh, singer Sabrina Carpenter, and Emma Myers have been suggested for their resemblance to the animated heroine. However, calls for more inclusive casting have also gained momentum, with Avantika Vandanapu being fan-cast as Rapunzel. This choice, however, sparked polarized reactions similar to those seen with the casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Halle Bailey as Ariel.
Casting controversies aside, Disney continues to reimagine its animated classics, though some fans argue the studio should prioritize adapting stories with more diverse cultural roots, such as The Princess and the Frog. In the meantime, upcoming live-action projects like Lilo & Stitch, set for release this year, and Moana, slated for 2026, aim to keep audiences engaged as they await further updates on Tangled.
Source: MovieWeb
