Fans call for boycott of Tangled remake over 'Israel'

• Milo Manheim’s casting as Flynn Rider has sparked boycott calls, with critics citing his past public statements and online activity related to Palestine and 'Israel'.

The long-anticipated live-action remake of Tangled is moving toward production in early 2026, but the announcement has triggered a growing online boycott campaign rather than universal excitement.

The backlash centers on the casting of Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider opposite Teagan Croft as Rapunzel. While many fans welcomed the choice, critics on social media have labeled Manheim a “Zionist actor,” turning the casting decision into a politically charged debate.

Casting sparks backlash

Calls for a boycott gained traction shortly after the cast was confirmed. Critics cite Manheim’s past public statements and online activity related to the Palestine-'Israel' context.

Activists point to a post he shared in late 2023 expressing sympathy for victims of the October 7 attacks in 'Israel'. They argue that his public mourning for 'Israeli' victims, without comparable advocacy for Palestinians in Gaza, reflects a political position they oppose.

Activists argue that the posts were significant not only for what they said, but for what they did not include. They point to the absence of public statements addressing the killing of Palestinians in Gaza or the humanitarian crisis that followed, saying the imbalance reflects a political position they reject.

Additional scrutiny focused on Manheim’s online interactions, including engagement with public figures known for outspoken support of 'Israel'. Screenshots of likes, follows, and shared content circulated widely, accompanied by claims that these digital ties reinforced perceptions of his stance.

Manheim has not issued a direct response to the boycott calls or clarified his position publicly since the controversy escalated. The lack of comment has allowed online speculation to grow, with critics framing silence as implicit support, while supporters argue that selective posts should not define an actor’s political views.

Character debate fuels outrage

Some fans argue that the controversy clashes with the spirit of Flynn Rider, a character often seen as anti-establishment and aligned with ordinary people.

Viral posts using phrases such as “Flynn Rider would never” claim the casting undermines the character’s identity and the film’s message.

The Golden Flower and the Growing Fray: Why Fans Are Calling for a ‘Tangled’ Boycott
For years, the prospect of a live-action Tangled remake was the subject of countless "fancasts" and viral TikTok theories. However, as Disney officially moves the project into production in early 2026, the long-awaited announcement has been met not just with nostalgia, but with a burgeoning movement to boycott the film.

The controversy centers on the casting of Milo Manheim as the charming rogue Flynn Rider. While many celebrated the choice of the Zombies star, a vocal segment of the internet has labeled Manheim a "Zionist actor," sparking a debate that transcends the borders of Corona and enters the complex arena of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
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The Spark: Milo Manheim and the "Zionist" Label
The calls for a boycott gained momentum almost immediately after Disney confirmed Manheim would star alongside Teagan Croft (Rapunzel). The backlash is largely rooted in Manheim’s past public statements and social media activity regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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Public Statements: Critics point to a post Manheim shared in late 2023 expressing sympathy for those affected by the October 7 attacks in Israel. Activists argue that his public mourning for Israeli victims, coupled with what they perceive as a lack of similar advocacy for Palestinians in Gaza, constitutes a political stance they cannot support.

Social Media Ties: Online investigators have highlighted Manheim’s engagement with high-profile figures like musician Matisyahu, who has been a frequent target of pro-Palestinian activists.

The "Flynn Rider" Standard: For many fans, the character of Flynn Rider represents a "man of the people"—a thief who rejects the establishment. Critics on social media have used this narrative to fuel the fire, with viral posts claiming "Flynn Rider would never" and suggesting that casting a politically divisive actor ruins the spirit of the character.

A Pattern of "Poisoned Apples"?

This is not Disney's first brush with such a controversy. The Tangled boycott is being viewed by many as a sequel to the PR storm that surrounded 2025’s Snow White.

That film faced a "double-sided" boycott: some fans called for a boycott over Gal Gadot’s (the Evil Queen) background as a former 'Israeli' soldier and her vocal support for 'Israel', while others targeted lead actress Rachel Zegler for her "Free Palestine" comments.

The resulting "box office fatigue" and heavy security presence during the press tour served as a cautionary tale that Disney appears to have ignored, according to critics.

"Disney really didn't learn a thing from the Snow White mess," one widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter) reads. "They hired a Zionist for the Evil Queen and the movie flopped. Now they’re doing it again with Tangled. Keep boycotting."

Industry pressure mounts

Industry observers note that online boycotts do not always translate into box office losses. However, sustained controversy can dominate a film’s public narrative. With additional casting announcements expected, the studio behind the project appears to be betting that strong performances and nostalgia will outweigh political criticism.

Production is expected to begin in the United Kingdom later this year. Meanwhile, the #BoycottTangled campaign continues to circulate widely online, signaling that for some fans, the remake now raises questions that go beyond costumes, music, or visual effects.