Get ready for a wicked twist in the world of Disney live-action remakes! Kathryn Hahn is reportedly in talks to bring the notorious Mother Gothel to life in the upcoming 'Tangled' film, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. But here’s where it gets controversial: can anyone truly replace the iconic Donna Murphy, who voiced the villain in the original animated version? Let’s dive in.
Kathryn Hahn, fresh off her scene-stealing performance as Agatha Harkness in Disney+’s WandaVision and its spinoff Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, is no stranger to playing complex, morally ambiguous characters. Now, Variety has confirmed that she’s eyeing the role of Mother Gothel, the cunning and vain antagonist who holds Rapunzel captive under the guise of being her protective mother. But this is the part most people miss: Mother Gothel’s character is a fascinating study of obsession, vanity, and the lengths one will go to for eternal youth. Hahn’s proven ability to balance humor and menace could make her portrayal unforgettable.
If the deal goes through, Hahn will join a cast that already includes Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) and produced by Kristin Burr (Cruella), the film is shaping up to be a visually stunning and emotionally charged retelling of the 2010 animated hit, which grossed nearly $600 million worldwide. The script comes from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her sharp writing in Someone Great and Do Revenge.
Here’s the bold question: Will Hahn’s modern, edgy style clash with the fairy-tale charm of Tangled, or will it breathe new life into a story we thought we knew? And let’s not forget—Mother Gothel’s iconic song, Mother Knows Best, is a fan favorite. Will Hahn’s version live up to the original? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Hahn’s star continues to rise. She’s currently wowing audiences in Apple TV+’s The Studio as the sharp-tongued film executive Maya Mason, and she’s set to appear in David O. Russell’s upcoming biopic Madden alongside Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage. Whether you love her or love to hate her, one thing’s for sure: Kathryn Hahn is a force to be reckoned with.
What do you think? Is Kathryn Hahn the perfect choice for Mother Gothel, or should Disney have gone in a different direction? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
