<P> The directors admitted that they were not keen on hiring solely big - named, A-list celebrities or top - billed actors to voice the film's main characters . Howard explained that, in order to be cast, the actors simply had to have the "right voice" for the characters, preferring voice actors "who could...bring a natural ease to those characters ." Greno elaborated, "It was never about how big the star was...It was always about...who's best for the part". Film critic James Berardinelli of ReelViews observed that this decision echoed "Disney's approach during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when big name stars where often bypassed in favor of lesser known talents ." An additional asset was that the actor be able to perform well both independently and collaboratively . </P> <P> Mother Gothel is voiced by American actress and singer Donna Murphy, a Tony Award - winning Broadway actress who was informed about the casting call for Tangled by her agent . Having never voiced an animated character before, the actress decided to audition for the role of the film's villain based solely on the expectation that the unfamiliar experience would be "fun". Almost immediately, Murphy developed a strong liking towards Gothel because of the character's complexity . Known for her award - winning Broadway performances, Murphy prepared herself for her Tangled audition similar to the way in which the actress would have prepared for a Broadway audition . Refusing to rely solely on her voice, Murphy also provided Gothel with an additional background that "flush (ed) out the moments beyond what we see in the film ." Although Greno and Howard had already held Murphy in high regard as "a spectacular singer", the actress was required to audition a song for the directors nonetheless, performing "Children Will Listen" from the musical Into the Woods . Howard revealed in an interview that Murphy was ultimately chosen out of hundreds of actresses because she possessed "something extra"; the directors especially enjoyed the charisma and intelligence Murphy brought to the role . </P> <P> Growing up a fan of Disney films, Murphy had never wanted to play a princess, preferring characters who were adventurous and "drove the action" instead . In the actress' opinion, villains continue to be the most dynamic characters in Disney films . Describing the opportunity to voice a Disney villain as a "juicy" experience, Murphy explained that this is because these characters are "not bound by ethics or moral codes or concern for what someone thinks or how it might hurt someone else", providing actors with more freedom . Upon her first session, Murphy appreciated the directors for exposing her to early concepts and ideas about Gothel . However, Murphy was not provided with a complete script because "They're very protective about that ." Murphy was directed to lower the pitch of her voice in favor of demonstrating a rather "flat" sound . Although Murphy did not base her own performance on any one individual in particular, she admitted to Babble that she was somewhat inspired by Betty Lou Gerson's performance as Cruella de Vil in Disney's One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961). Comparing voice acting to Broadway, Murphy commented that, in animation, "You're recording and you're discovering it and giving the performance all at the same time . It's not like you have three weeks rehearsal ." Additionally, Murphy never worked with co-star Mandy Moore, voice of Rapunzel; instead, Murphy revealed that scenes with Gothel and Rapunzel were actually recorded opposite one of the directors impersonating Moore, who also explained to Murphy that Gothel's design will continue to evolve as the character begins to adapt the actress' mannerisms . Howard enthused that Murphy "nailed" Gothel, admitting to ultimately using 90% of the actress' original material and takes because "The character just came right to life when she came in ." </P> <P> Convinced that "Disney does villains better than anyone," the directors felt pressured to create a villain who would ultimately "live up to the classic villains of (Disney's) past films ." Greno and Howard wanted Gothel to be both a funny and frightening character, describing her as "a commanding and powerful presence...who could also have warmth". Greno believes that Gothel is particularly scary because she is not a witch, explaining, "She's a real - world - type villain ." Considered "one of the (film's) hardest characters to crack" by Greno, he and Howard wanted Gothel to be depicted as a conniving villain who is likeable and charismatic enough that audiences would be convinced by her and Rapunzel's unconventional relationship . Greno explained, "if Mother Gothel was a mean villainess, and looked like a villainess and acted scary, you'd be like,' Why is Rapunzel staying in the tower?"' In early drafts, Gothel was inspired by Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989), causing the character to become "too dark ." Ultimately, the filmmakers voted in favor of having Gothel be subtle as opposed to having her remain "a one - note, domineering mother," similar to Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's cruel stepmother, from Disney's Cinderella (1950). </P>

Who plays the role of rapunzel in tangled