Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Tangled is already making waves—and not all of them are positive. While excitement initially surged following the official casting announcement, controversy quickly followed after past social media posts by star Milo Manheim resurfaced, sparking heated debate online.
Disney confirmed that Australian actress Teagan Croft will portray Rapunzel, the sheltered princess with magical healing hair, while Manheim has been cast as Flynn Rider, the charming thief who helps her escape her tower. The film will be directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, with a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. The project is expected to closely follow the storyline of the 2010 animated hit, which went on to earn more than $590 million worldwide and remains one of Disney’s most beloved modern classics.
While Croft’s casting has been widely praised, Manheim’s role has proven far more divisive. Soon after the announcement, social media users began circulating a 2023 Instagram story in which Manheim expressed sympathy for Israel following the Hamas attack. In the post, he wrote that his heart went out to those affected, accompanied by a white heart and a Jewish symbol.
Critics argue the message failed to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling it one-sided. The backlash intensified as users highlighted Manheim’s online interactions with musician Matisyahu, a performer frequently described by critics as an outspoken Zionist. Screenshots of Manheim commenting “I love you” on Matisyahu’s posts further fueled the outrage.
The controversy quickly spilled onto X, where users began openly rejecting Manheim as Flynn Rider and calling for a boycott of the film. Some fans said they were shocked by the resurfaced posts, while others expressed frustration with Disney for ignoring what they view as a pattern of casting choices that invite political backlash. Comparisons were even drawn to past Disney live-action controversies, with critics claiming the studio failed to learn from previous public relations firestorms.
Despite the growing online uproar, Manheim has remained silent, and Disney has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, the debate continues to overshadow what was meant to be a celebratory casting reveal, leaving many wondering whether Tangled can recapture its fairy-tale magic amid the growing controversy.
