 Originally , Flynn was conceived as a British farmer named Bastian until his voice actor was finally cast . The directors cited actors Errol Flynn and Gene Kelly , and Star Wars character Han Solo , among several individuals by whom Flynn was inspired . Greno explained that " Having Flynn as a thief seemed like a fresh spin , especially in contrast to Rapunzel , who is a really smart girl but is just locked away in this tower . So she has a very limited world view and Flynn could complement that as this worldly guy . " The film 's change in title from Rapunzel to the more gender @-@ neutral Tangled is due in part to Flynn 's role and involvement . First observing that the Disney tradition is " to name the movie after the Princess , " the directors had initially thought that the film " would be structured like Cinderella where there 's Cinderella and then a Prince that pops into the movie once in a while . " This changed , however , as Flynn was gradually developed into a much more prominent character . Howard explained that " When Nathan and I figured out that this film was really about two characters , Flynn and Rapunzel , we knew that changing the title would be a good idea . " Meanwhile , the title Tangled summarizes the relationship between protagonists Flynn and Rapunzel , and antagonist Mother Gothel . Additionally , Flynn also narrates the film , providing it with " an ironic counterpoint , " according to Children 's Literature and Learner Empowerment : Children and Teenagers in English Language Education author Janice Bland . As " an example of first @-@ person voice @-@ over narration , " Flynn 's narration " compels the viewer to identify empathetically with " Flynn and Rapunzel . 
