The live-action adaptation of Tangled is back in development, featuring Scarlett Johansson attached to the project.

      Disney is revisiting its live-action adaptations of animated classics, with Deadline reporting that Tangled is back in development and Scarlett Johansson is in negotiations to star in the film.

      For nearly ten years, Disney has been reimagining many of its classic and beloved films, starting with Cinderella featuring Lily James. Recent years have seen live-action versions of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Mulan, and others, while The Lion King received both a remake and a prequel centered on Mufasa.

      This year, Disney released its live-action adaptation of its first animated film, Snow White, featuring Rachel Zelger as the title character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. However, the film did not perform well either critically or at the box office, prompting Disney to pause most live-action remakes that had not yet entered development. Despite the lackluster performance of Snow White, Lilo & Stitch was a summer success, grossing over $1 billion.

      If a deal is finalized, Johansson will portray Mother Gothel, the wicked witch who abducts young Rapunzel and raises her as her own to exploit Rapunzel’s magical golden hair, which can restore Gothel's youth. This would add another singing role to Johansson’s credits after her vocal performance as Kaa in Disney's The Jungle Book with "Trust in Me" and her participation in Illumination’s animated Sing films, in addition to her own singing endeavors in the late 2000s prior to her acting career taking off.

      Johansson recently starred in Jurassic World: Rebirth and Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, as well as directed her debut film, Eleanor The Great, featuring June Squibb. Tangled is set to be directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) from a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.

      Meanwhile, Disney’s remake of Moana, featuring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his animated role as Maui in a live-action format, is in post-production and scheduled for a July 2026 release. Additionally, a sequel to Lilo & Stitch has been announced and is in development. Beyond Tangled, all other live-action remakes will remain on hold until further notice.

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie updates and discussions.

      Originally published October 10, 2025. Updated October 11, 2025.