Disney’s live-action Tangled is back in the news again, and this time, it’s all about the casting. Reports from Deadline suggest that Scarlett Johansson might play Mother Gothel, Rapunzel’s manipulative “mom” who locks her in a tower and keeps her from the world. Now, while Johansson is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, many fans think she doesn’t quite fit the role.
After all, Gothel is supposed to be dramatic, mysterious, and a little scary; the kind of villain who charms you one minute and terrifies you the next. Therefore, as soon as the rumor spread online, fans began sharing who they think should play Gothel instead. From powerhouse performers to iconic divas, here are five names who could nail that mix of glamour and danger, and bring the magic of Tangled to life.
The table contains basic details on Tangled (2010):
1. Cher
Agree with it or not, but Cher is most likely the first actress who came to our minds when we first saw Mother Gothel in the animated Tangled movie in 2010. There was something about the dark curly hair and the nonchalant yet terrifying look that reminded us of the legendary singer/actress.
So now that the live-action Tangled movie is in talks, we believe Cher might be the best option for the role of Mother Gothel, instead of Scarlett Johansson. Because why not? The actress is literally known for her bold attitude, sharp humor, and a voice that can fill a room. And we all know Mother Gothel sings.
Meanwhile, from Moonstruck to Burlesque, Cher has shown that she can play strong, stylish women who command attention. Plus, physically, she has that striking look, long dark hair, sharp eyes, and a confident presence that perfectly matches Mother Gothel’s vibe from Tangled. But that’s not all.
Remember how Gothel is all about vanity, charm, and a touch of wickedness? Well, Cher could bring all of that effortlessly. After all, she has that “forever young” appeal, which fits Gothel’s obsession with youth. Also, unlike Johansson, who often plays calm or action-focused roles, Cher has that larger-than-life energy.
So after all this, we believe, Cher’s dramatic expressions, her commanding voice, and her elegant wickedness could turn Gothel into an unforgettable character in live-action form.
2. Kathryn Hahn
Well, yes, back in 2010, when we saw Tangled, Kathryn Hahn was yet to be a household name. But now, following her Marvel role, the actress has become rather popular, thus earning her place on this list. And she seems to be actually perfect for the role of Mother Gothel, given how she has already played the role of a witch in WandaVision
Ever since Kathryn Hahn played the role of Agatha Harkness, people not only began recognising her but also appreciated her mix of comedy, drama, and chaos, all rolled into one. So far, from her Marvel role to movies like Bad Moms, Hahn has played characters who are funny, smart, and a little sneaky. And that’s exactly what Mother Gothel needs.
Mother Gothel isn’t just pure evil; she’s a bit dramatic, mostly manipulative, and rather charming, which is very similar to Hahn’s role as Agatha. Plus, her expressive face and powerful voice also serve as an added bonus for the role. The actress also has a natural theatrical quality that fits Gothel’s over-the-top personality.
Meanwhile, in terms of physicality, her deep eyes and wavy dark hair seem to mirror Gothel’s animated look. While Scarlett Johansson is naturally blonde and has a rather angelic look, Hahn has what it takes to make Gothel both scary and entertaining. It’s her dramatic flair and comedic timing that audiences need to love and hate Gothel at the same time.
3. Susan Sarandon
Who can overlook Susan Sarandon when it comes to the role of Mother Gothel? Like, this actress, with her timeless mix of grace and danger, was just born to play the Tangled villain. In fact, after being in the industry for decades, starring in classics like Thelma & Louise and Enchanted, Sarandon has already proven she can play a Disney villain with flair.
Plus, Sarandon’s screen presence is magnetic; when she speaks, you listen. Her voice has that deep, elegant tone that could easily sound both motherly and menacing. She also has expressive eyes that can go from warm to cold in seconds, just like Gothel. And as for physicality, her strong features and dramatic expressions fit the role perfectly.
Meanwhile, Sarandon also has experience playing complex women who balance charm and cruelty, which is literally a perfect recipe for Gothel. So, while Scarlett Johansson might be too young and polished for the part, Sarandon could bring maturity, elegance, and an old-school Hollywood power that would make Gothel unforgettable.
She would give the character depth, making her both scary and strangely sympathetic, just as fans loved her in Enchanted.
4. Angela Bassett
Considering how Disney doesn’t mind race-swapping characters, there’s one Black actress who would otherwise be amazing as Mother Gothel in the live-action adaptation. Yep, Angela Bassett, the actress popularly known for playing Queen Ramonda in the MCU’s Black Panther movies.
She drips with commanding presence and pure power onscreen. Like, have you seen her as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It? Her voice and performance literally demand respect. Plus, she has eyes that tell a story, and a presence that fills every frame, which is, FYI, very much like Mother Gothel.
You know, the Tangled character is often known for her dramatic flair and queen-like arrogance. And that’s something Bassett would fit perfectly. Plus, she could turn Gothel from just a vain villain into a truly powerful and emotional character. Even her physicality, with sharp bone structure, rich voice, and elegant movements, makes her look like she walked straight out of a fairy tale.
And as for her film career, the actress is often known for playing strong, complex women; you know, not just villains, but people with real motives. Which is why we believe Johansson, despite being talented, might not bring that same commanding aura that Bassett naturally has. Like she could make Gothel feel less cartoonish and more like a real person.
5. Helena Bonham Carter
Lastly, of course, our very own Helena Bonham Carter feels like she was practically made for roles like Mother Gothel. Like, we don’t even need to explain ourselves because Carter has literally built a career playing eccentric and darkly funny characters. From Bellatrix Lestrange in Harry Potter to the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, she’s known for such roles.
In fact, she knows how to blend creepy, funny, and elegant all at once. And Gothel needs that same energy, a woman who’s obsessed with beauty, hides her cruelty under charm, and makes every moment dramatic. This is where Carter’s wild hair, expressive face, and theatrical style fit the animated version of Gothel perfectly.
Like, we’ve even seen her play the fairy godmother in Cinderella, which exhibited her sweet and motherly side. But then, we’ve also seen her play deranged evil roles, which focused on her fierce and terrifying side. So by now, we know that Carter is a rather versatile actress who could easily switch between softness to cunning qualities in one scene.
And that’s basically who Gothel is. So, while Scarlett Johansson is more grounded and subtle in her acting, Helena Bonham Carter thrives in fantasy and fairy-tale roles. She would bring that magical, gothic energy that makes Disney villains memorable. With her talent for mixing humor and darkness, Carter could turn Gothel into one of Disney’s most iconic live-action villains ever.
Let us know which other actresses you think would be perfect for the role of Mother Gothel.
Tangled is currently streaming in the US on Disney+.
