Scarlett Johansson Walks from Disney, Signs on for Batman 2 and Exorcist

Scarlett Johansson, once tipped to play Mother Gothel in Disney’s live-action Tangled, has reportedly decided to move on from the project. While Disney’s remake engine keeps chugging along after a patchy 2025, Tangled has finally started casting in London. Meanwhile, Johansson’s diary is filling up fast, with new gigs lined up for The Batman Part II and Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist reboot.

Johansson’s New Roles: Gotham and the Supernatural

Industry chatter has been swirling about Johansson’s part in The Batman Part II. Early speculation from fans threw up names like Andrea Beaumont, Vicki Vale, and Poison Ivy, but the latest word is she’s set to play Gilda Gold, Harvey Dent’s wife. This hasn’t been officially confirmed by the filmmakers, but in the comics, Gilda Gold is a key figure in Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face, especially in Batman: The Long Halloween, where her private confession about the Holiday murders is known only to readers.

If Johansson does take on the role of Gilda, she’ll be right at the heart of Dent’s story, not just on the sidelines. Over in the horror camp, she’s leading Mike Flanagan’s Exorcist reboot, with Jacobi Jupe joining the cast in a secretive role, rumoured to be her son. Flanagan is set to start filming in New York after wrapping up work on Carrie. He’s promised his “scariest film” yet, steering clear of the classic possessed-girl storyline and aiming for something with more moral weight and spiritual tension.

Disney’s Tangled: Casting Shifts and Production Plans

Disney’s live-action Tangled hit a snag after backlash over Snow White, but things have picked up again this year. Johansson was briefly attached as Mother Gothel before stepping aside. Michael Gracey is still on board to direct, with filming pencilled in for the UK in June 2026, though there’s no release date yet.

Recent reports say Disney quietly held screen tests and chemistry reads in London for the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The shortlist for Rapunzel includes Freya Skye, Sarah Catherine Hook, Olivia-Mai Barrett, and Tegan Croft. Lola Tung was in the mix but couldn’t make the tests due to scheduling clashes. The move towards younger casting suggests Disney’s keen to give Tangled a fresh spin, rather than banking on big-name stars. Johansson’s exit means the project loses a marquee name, but it might also give the film room to find its own identity, free from the weight of her Marvel legacy.

What’s Next for Disney and Johansson?

Johansson’s decision to step away leaves a noticeable gap, one that casting alone might not fill. Disney will need to recalibrate, while punters are left to read between the lines. The live-action Tangled still doesn’t have a confirmed release date, and with Johansson moving on to other high-profile projects, the studio faces the challenge of keeping the momentum going without her star power.

Production on Flanagan’s Exorcist is backed by Blumhouse and Morgan Creek, with Universal distributing after shelling out $400 million for the rights. Flanagan has made it clear he’s not interested in rehashing old ground, instead promising a film that leans into spiritual unease and moral dilemmas. As for The Batman Part II, all eyes are on how Johansson’s rumoured role as Gilda Gold will play into Harvey Dent’s tragic arc.