Disney's Tangled Live-Action Sparks Boycott Over Flynn Casting
Milo Manheim's casting as Flynn Rider triggers fan outrage and boycott threats before production begins on Disney's live-action adaptation.
Disney's upcoming live-action Tangled adaptation faces mounting criticism before cameras even start rolling. The controversy centers on Milo Manheim's casting as Flynn Rider, sparking widespread fan disapproval across social media platforms.
The backlash stems from Manheim's perceived political positions, particularly his social media activity following the October 7th attacks and connections to pro-Israel figures like musician Matisyahu. Critics have launched the hashtag #NotOurFlynn to voice their opposition.
Fan Rejection Grows Online
Social media erupted with negative reactions immediately after the casting announcement. Many fans expressed concerns about Manheim's ability to capture Flynn's signature charm, describing the actor as too "boyish" compared to the animated character's mature appeal.
The situation mirrors previous Disney controversies. Zachary Levi, who originally voiced Flynn in the animated film, faced similar criticism for his political views and vaccine skepticism. This pattern suggests Disney may struggle with casting decisions that satisfy all audience segments.
Snow White Parallels Emerge
The Tangled backlash resembles the reception of Disney's Snow White remake. That film suffered from political controversies surrounding both Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot during promotional campaigns. The mixing of political stances with family entertainment proved problematic for audience reception.
Industry watchers worry Tangled could follow Snow White's troubled path. The early negative response suggests Disney faces challenges separating entertainment from political discourse. Whether the studio will adjust its approach or proceed despite fan resistance remains unclear.