Tangled's Original Flynn Plan Would've Likely Changed Frozen's Kristoff
Flynn's character design underwent a few changes before it was settled, and one concept resembling Kristoff came close to being in the final cut.
The original plan for Flynn Rider in Tangled would have meant a very different future for Frozen's Kristoff. Much like their princesses, male leads in Disney's fairytale films have fortunately started to be characterized with a lot more personality, with Flynn and Kristoff being notable favorites. The two are also oddly linked through the original character design for Flynn, which would have likely changed Frozen's male lead.
Tangled went through many changes during its production, with the film overall being worked on for over 10 years. The plot was changed, the characters altered, and the production team switched around multiple times. The film was still a huge success, with fans wondering about a possible Tangled 2, but as a result, Flynn wasn't always the character known today.
Originally, Flynn was a farmer named Bastian, designed in a friendly giant type way with a well-built, broad stature, who bears an incredible resemblance to Kristoff. Before this, though, Flynn was a wayward prince, then a pirate bandit type, before settling on Bastian. Bastian was a farmer who had been orphaned at a young age and forced to thieve, though he didn't enjoy it, which is not too far from Flynn's character. However, Bastian's humble personality and muscular build don't parallel Flynn, but undoubtedly physically resembles Kristoff, who stands out amongst Disney princes by having a realistic body type other than the typical slim-built male love interests. Further, Kristoff's back-story as an orphan child who grew up fairly quickly and independently is very similar to Bastian.
It was only after Zachary Levi was cast to voice Rapunzel's love interest that Bastian was scrapped in favor of Flynn Rider, and so the idea was actually dangerously close to fruition. Flynn's lovable rogue provided more room for comedy in the film, which the modest Bastian may not have provided. However, if Disney had chosen to keep Bastian's design, it likely would have entirely changed Kristoff in Frozen. The films were released within only a few years of each other, and the designs would have likely been too similar to allow for both Bastian and Kristoff to co-exist, with similar appearances, personalities and back-stories.
Ultimately, the decision to go with Flynn Rider for Tangled was the right one, as audiences clamored to know more about what happened to Flynn and Rapunzel after the film. His chemistry with Rapunzel is undeniable, and his arc from cocky thief to selfless hero is touching and unique for a Disney prince. Moreover, Kristoff may not ever have existed if it wasn't for Flynn, possibly changing a lot of what makes Frozen so popular.
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Courtney is a TV/Movie Features writer for Screen Rant who recently graduated with a BA in English Literature. Loves talking rubbish about films and collecting crystals. Huge fan of Fozzie Bear.
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