Kathryn Hahn Debuts Full Mother Gothel Transformation on Disney’s Live-Action ‘Tangled’ Set

Disney’s live-action remake pipeline has produced its fair share of mixed reactions over the past decade, with some adaptations winning over skeptical fans while others struggled to justify their existence. Casting announcements alone have become a make-or-break moment for these projects, often determining public sentiment long before a single frame reaches theaters.

‘Tangled‘ seemed destined to face that same uphill battle when Disney confirmed it was remaking the beloved 2010 animated classic. That skepticism started shifting the moment one particular casting choice was revealed, and the buzz has only grown since production got underway in Spain.

Kathryn Hahn has now stepped out in full costume as Mother Gothel for the first time, giving fans their clearest look yet at how the villain will translate to live action. Earlier set photos had only shown Hahn’s hair and makeup, keeping her costume carefully hidden from view, but new footage finally reveals her in character, complete with the heart-hands gesture instantly recognizable from the animated original.

The transformation has drawn immediate comparisons to the source material, with Hahn’s look closely mirroring the character audiences have known for over a decade. Fans online have responded with notable enthusiasm, a reaction that stands in contrast to the more mixed buzz surrounding recent Disney remakes like ‘Snow White’ and ‘Moana.’

Hahn’s casting wasn’t the studio’s original plan. Scarlett Johansson had initially been eyed for the role of Mother Gothel before dropping out to shoot ‘The Batman Part II,’ clearing the way for Hahn to take over a character that plays a central role in both the film’s story and its marketing.

Reports of Hahn’s casting first surfaced in January of 2026, and she confirmed the role herself two months later, playfully announcing it on social media with a photo of herself wearing a Mother Gothel t-shirt captioned “OOTD, Mother Gothel.” Disney’s own social accounts joined in on the fun, posting, “You want her to be the bad guy? FINE. Kathryn Hahn is Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled.”

The road to filming hasn’t been entirely smooth either. Production on the live-action ‘Tangled’ originally began in late 2024, then paused in April 2025 following the disappointing box office performance of ‘Snow White,’ before eventually resuming that October under director Michael Gracey, known for ‘The Greatest Showman’ and the Robbie Williams biopic ‘Better Man.’

The film is now shooting on location in Spain, with cameras rolling at sites including Burgos Cathedral for scenes set within the kingdom. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson penned the screenplay, while Kristin Burr, whose credits include ‘Cruella’ and ‘Freakier Friday,’ recently joined as a producer.

Hahn is joined in the cast by Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, with Diego Luna also attached in a role that has yet to be revealed. The pairing of Hahn’s comedic pedigree with her recent turn as the wicked Agatha Harkness in ‘WandaVision’ and ‘Agatha All Along’ has fueled fan confidence that she’s an ideal fit for Mother Gothel’s blend of charm and menace.

The pressure to deliver is real given how fondly the original film is remembered. The animated ‘Tangled’ earned $592 million at the global box office against a $260 million budget and currently holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, setting a high bar for this new version to clear.

With Rapunzel’s tower already spotted under construction and secondary villains like the Stabbington Brothers previously revealed, the live-action ‘Tangled’ appears to be steadily building anticipation ahead of its expected 2028 release.

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