• Published: Mar 11 2026 02:35 PM
  • Last Updated: Mar 11 2026 05:24 PM

Kathryn Hahn will play Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled, starring Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn. Her Instagram reveal is creating a buzz



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Disney has officially confirmed that Kathryn Hahn will play Mother Gothel in the live-action remake of Tangled. She shared the news on Instagram, humming “Mother Knows Best” and teasing her villainous look. Fans immediately reacted, with the post going viral across social media. Hahn joins a talented cast including Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. This marks Hahn’s first major live-action Disney role, following her voice work and Marvel appearances. The remake is expected to begin filming soon.

Kathryn Hahn's Journey to Disney Villain Glory

Kathryn Hahn is no stranger to playing quirky, magical characters. She gained fame as Agatha Harkness in WandaVision and her spin-off Agatha: All Along. Fans had been pushing for her as Mother Gothel since rumors surfaced in January 2026, even creating petitions and sharing viral clips of her singing. Scarlett Johansson was considered for the role but had to step aside due to scheduling conflicts. Hahn’s mix of comedy, sass, and musical talent made her the perfect fit for Disney’s cunning villain.

Hahn’s ability to balance humor and menace makes her ideal for a character who is both charming and manipulative. Her previous performances show she can steal scenes while keeping audiences entertained. Industry insiders note that Disney has been eager to cast someone who can bring depth and charisma to Gothel, making Hahn a natural choice. Fans are already imagining how her expressive acting will elevate classic songs like “Mother Knows Best.”

Kathryn Hahn

Meet the Cast of Disney’s Live-Action Tangled

  • Teagan Croft as Rapunzel – Brings adventurous, brave energy from her work on Titans.
  • Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider – Adds charm and musical skills from previous Disney projects.
  • Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel – Promises sly, comedic, and villainous energy to the remake.
  • Dynamic Cast Chemistry – Together, they deliver humor, heart, and thrilling adventure.
  • Honoring Originals – Original voices (Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy) set the tone, while the new cast adds fresh energy.

What Makes Mother Gothel the Real Star of Tangled

Mother Gothel is central to Tangled, raising baby Rapunzel in a hidden tower to use her magical hair for eternal youth. Her signature song, “Mother Knows Best,” combines caring advice with manipulation, making her both protective and cunning. In the live-action version, Hahn’s expressions and timing are expected to bring new life to Gothel’s sly personality. The remake is likely to keep the beloved songs while adding live stunts and real-world interactions.

Kathryn Hahn

Fans React to Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel

Hahn’s announcement triggered a huge social media reaction. On X (Twitter) and Reddit, fans shared memes, praised her casting, and compared her Agatha performance to Gothel’s villainy. The reveal trended online, showing how eagerly fans were awaiting this casting news.

Behind the Scenes of Disney’s Tangled Remake

The live-action Tangled project was first announced in 2024 and paused briefly before resuming in late 2025. While the full script hasn’t been released, the remake is expected to honor the original’s music and story while using high-quality CGI for Rapunzel’s hair and the kingdom. Hahn’s involvement follows her Marvel commitments, and shooting may take place at Pinewood Studios, a hub for Disney remakes.

What This Means for Disney Live-Action Future

If successful, this remake could pave the way for other Disney live-action projects like Lilo & Stitch or Hercules. Hahn’s role connects Marvel fans with Disney classics, potentially drawing audiences of all ages. With the combination of music, humor, and star power, Disney is betting on another box office hit.

A strong performance from Hahn could also encourage Disney to cast more versatile actors who can blend comedy, villainy, and musical talent. The success of Tangled may shape how the studio approaches future fairy tale remakes, balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling. This could mark a new era where live-action adaptations attract both longtime fans and new generations.

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FAQ

Fans loved Kathryn Hahn’s sneaky charm in her Marvel shows. Early rumors sparked petitions that crossed 100,000 signatures, and her viral singing clips proved she could capture the sassy, cunning vibe of Mother Gothel.

Scarlett Johansson was in talks for the role but opted out due to other film commitments. After social media fan votes and industry discussions, Kathryn Hahn emerged as the top choice for Disney.

Disney has not announced an official release date yet. Based on typical live-action remake timelines, 2028 seems likely. Filming is expected to begin soon to align with Disney’s busy production schedule.

Hahn has already been seen performing "Mother Knows Best" in her reveal video. She will undergo vocal coaching similar to other Disney musical remakes to perfect the iconic songs.

Yes. While she has done voice work and appeared in Marvel projects, this marks her first major live-action role as a leading villain in a Disney fairy tale epic.

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