A Live-Action Tangled Casting Debate Has Erupted Online, And Some Fans Are Not Excited About The Joe Keery Idea

The internet is buzzing again about Disney’s live-action remakes, and this time the discussion is getting intense over casting choices. Reports indicate that a live-action version of *Tangled* is moving forward, with Michael Gracey (known for *The Greatest Showman*) still set to direct and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (*Do Revenge*, *Thor: Love and Thunder*) writing the screenplay. A lot of people are now debating whether Joe Kerry is the right actor to play a popular character in the film.

Earlier this week, Bustle’s Instagram dropped a fan-cast featuring Joe Keery as Flynn Rider and Sabrina Carpenter as Rapunzel. Carpenter? Solid choice, most fans are into it. Keery, though? Let’s just say Instagram didn’t hold back. The most-liked comment read:

Respectfully, he’s not the best for Flynn 😭

That comment received over 3,000 likes, so it’s clear many fans agree. The conversation really took off after that. Let’s see what people are actually saying.

How Tangled Fans Are Reacting To Joe Keery Casting Idea

Fans had many ideas for who could play Flynn, including Jacob Elordi and Zayn Malik. Some even wanted to see Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly – who previously starred together in *Zombies* and are close friends – take on the roles. Here’s a look at what some fans were saying:

  • “Correct decision: don’t make another live action.” – @HollyFay43
  • “IT SHLD BE MILO AND MEG 😍” – @lizzyslittlediaryy
  • “Him for Flynn?? No, no and no.” – @naty_marecos
  • “Yeah… DONT MAKE THE LIVE ACTION.” – @zeynepnehir_acikgoz
  • “How about obscure upcoming actors and actresses, or better yet no live action? 🙂” – @xxsic_wolves
  • “Zayn Malik for Flynn. Sabrina Carpenter for Rapunzel.” – @sumreenk92

The reaction on X (formerly Twitter) was completely different, with fans enthusiastically celebrating the idea. One post from a fan account, @DJOEtimeKEERY, got a lot of positive responses, including:

  • “That would actually go so hard” – @RandomPenguin
  • “MY DREAM 😭” – @shawnftdjo
  • “ PLEASEEEE” – @wishbones4byler
  • “ It would be iconic really.” – @fooshggs
  • “ That’d be great he can be cocky and pathetic all at once I love it.” – @brubeeps

Honestly, I’m not sure why people are questioning Joe Keery as a potential Flynn. He’s famous for playing Steve Harrington in *Stranger Things*, and he really embodies that appealingly flawed character type. He’s both funny and strangely charismatic, and he’s shown he can play a hero who’s hesitant at first. Plus, he’s a talented musician – he releases music as Djo, and his song “End of Beginning” became popular thanks to fans using it in edits for *The Bear* on TikTok.

Because Flynn Rider from *Tangled* is a popular Disney prince, fans have strong ideas about who should play him in a live-action adaptation. Joe Keery, known for his quirky and unpredictable style, doesn’t immediately seem like the typical choice. However, I believe he could actually be a fantastic fit for the role.

Disney+ offers streaming access to movies like *Tangled*. You can subscribe for as little as $9.99 a month with ads (increasing to $11.99 starting October 21, 2025). An ad-free plan is available for $15.99 a month (increasing to $18.99 starting October 21, 2025). Alternatively, you can save 16% by paying $159.99 upfront for a full year. See the deal here.

The most surprising casting news, to me, is the possibility of Scarlett Johansson joining the film. Reports suggest she’s being considered to play Mother Gothel, Rapunzel’s villainous mother and kidnapper. While Johansson is currently the highest-grossing movie star of all time, making her a smart financial choice, I’m not convinced she can capture the character’s necessary sense of imposing evil. Fans have suggested Helen Bonham Carter and Michelle Gomez (from *Doctor Who*), and honestly, they seem like more suitable choices, though perhaps a little older than desired.

When choosing actors for Flynn, and all the characters, we’re not trying to exactly recreate the animated designs in live-action. Joe Keery could be perfect for capturing Flynn’s quirky personality, making him feel like a genuine person rather than a costume character. And while you’re waiting for casting announcements, remember you can enjoy the original animated *Tangled* anytime with a Disney+ subscription.

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2025-10-15 20:40