The first behind-the-scenes photos of Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel have surfaced from the set of Disney’s live-action Tangled, giving fans their long-awaited look at the Emmy-winning actress as one of Disney’s most beloved villains.
Filming is currently underway in Spain, where production has already attracted plenty of attention. Earlier set photos revealed Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim filming as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, including recreating one of the animated film’s most memorable moments at the lantern festival, where kids braid Rapunzel’s impossibly long golden hair. Other behind-the-scenes images have teased additional scenes pulled straight from the 2010 Disney favorite.
Now, it’s Hahn’s turn to shine.
Captured in Gothel’s signature dark curls, Hahn looks every bit the glamorous and manipulative villain who has captivated Disney fans for more than a decade.
The first-look photos have sparked an outpouring of excitement online, with many fans celebrating what they see as perfect casting. Long before Disney made the announcement official, Hahn had become a fan-favorite choice to play the deliciously wicked Mother Gothel, with many hoping she would bring the same camp, charisma and theatrical flair that have defined some of her most memorable performances.
Before Hahn landed the role, Scarlett Johansson had also reportedly been eyed to play Mother Gothel. Ultimately, Disney went with Hahn, a decision many fans embraced after years of championing her for the part.
Hahn Returns as a Disney Villain
Hahn is no stranger to playing unforgettable witches. She became a breakout star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Agatha Harkness in WandaVision, a performance so popular it led to the Disney+ spinoff Agatha All Along, one of Marvel’s most LGBTQ-inclusive projects to date. Her scene-stealing turn as the mischievous witch made her one of Disney’s most beloved recent villains and only strengthened fan calls for her to play Mother Gothel.
The live-action adaptation of Tangled is directed by Michael Gracey, best known for The Greatest Showman, from a screenplay by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Diego Luna is also set to appear in a mystery role.
Disney has not yet released official first-look images from the film, but if these behind-the-scenes photos are any indication, Hahn may be about to steal every scene she appears in.
After all, Mother knows best.
