Things are getting hairy once again as Disney resumes development on a live-action movie adaptation of Tangled.
The project has Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) attached to direct a script from Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Scarlett Johansson is being eyed to star as Mother Gothel.
Producers include Kristin Burr for Burr! Productions, along with Emmy-winning producer Lucy Kitada (The Baby-Sitters Club).
The original Tangled hit theaters in 2010 and centers on Rapunzel, who was voiced by Mandy Moore. Tony-winning Broadway star Donna Murphy voiced Mother Gothel in the animated version.
The Hollywood Reporter reported in April that development on the live-action Tangled had been paused, which followed Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s live-action Snow White underperforming at the box office. Since then, Disney had a massive hit with the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, while Barry Jenkins’ prequel movie Mufasa: The Lion King also had a strong showing when it debuted late last year.
Director Thomas Kail’s live-action version of Moana will star Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson and is set to hit theaters July 10, 2026. The original animated film was released in 2016, and a theatrical sequel followed last year.
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about Rapunzel, the original Tangled focuses on the long-haired character (Moore), who has spent her life trapped in a tower until she hatches a plan with a would-be thief (Zachary Levi). The film surpassed $590 million at the worldwide box office and landed a best song Oscar nomination for “I See the Light.”
Deadline was first to report on Johansson.
