Disney’s Tangled Remake Misses the Mark With Mother Gothel Casting
Disney’s live-action Tangled remake has cast Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, but the real buzz surrounds the search for Mother Gothel. With big names like Scarlett Johansson and Kathryn Hahn in the mix, fans are debating who truly fits the iconic villain. Discover why some believe Disney overlooked the perfect choice.
Disney ’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled has already made headlines by selecting Titans actress Teagan Croft to play Rapunzel. As excitement builds, all eyes are now on the casting of Mother Gothel, the infamous villain who keeps Rapunzel locked away. Early rumors linked Scarlett Johansson to the role, but recent reports suggest Kathryn Hahn is now the frontrunner.
Hahn hasn’t been shy about her interest in the part. She’s even joked about her singing chops, saying,
Yes! I mean, I’m really good at karaoke.
Fans who’ve heard her belt out tunes in Agatha All Along know she’s got the vocal talent to pull off the character’s signature numbers. Still, some believe there’s another star who would have been an even better fit for the role.
Why Cher Was the Fan-Favorite for Mother Gothel
For years, Cher has been a top pick among fans to portray Mother Gothel. The similarities between the pop legend and the animated villain are hard to ignore. In fact, the resemblance isn’t just a coincidence. Director Bryan Howard once revealed that Cher was a major inspiration for Gothel’s look, explaining,
It ’s true! Maybe because she’s too Gothic and exotic looking. She was one of the people we looked at. She was a hard character to crack, and Glen struggled with that for years.
Beyond the visual parallels, the casting would have made sense thematically. Mother Gothel is obsessed with staying young forever, while Cher has famously defied the passage of time for decades. Many believe that if Cher had landed the role, it would have been a casting win everyone could get behind.
Kathryn Hahn Steps Into the Spotlight
Despite the fan campaigns for Cher, it looks like Kathryn Hahn is the studio’s top choice. Her enthusiasm for the character and proven musical ability make her a strong contender. Still, some fans can’t help but wonder what could have been if Disney had gone with the pop icon instead.
As the debate continues, it’s worth noting that the original animated film remains a favorite for many. With the 2010 classic still holding up after all these years, some question whether a remake is even necessary. For now, the focus remains on who will bring Mother Gothel to life on the big screen—and whether Disney made the right call.
Who would you cast as Mother Gothel? Share your thoughts below. Tangled is currently available to stream on Disney+.