Both are amazing actors but I'm going with Derek because of the fact that he has an amazing singing voice. For those of you who don't know, Derek is most well-known for playing Dimitri in the Broadway version of Anastasia. Here's a link to him singing a medley of Out There and Go the Distance.

link

He'll be perfect 😽

I wouldn’t take Cole Sprouse seriously as Eric because of him on Suite Life

Just because I've seen him in things before and he would bring people to watch the movie, like Emma Watson did for Beauty and the Beast.

I've never heard of Derek Klena, but he does look the part more.

Cole is annoying imo and I think the characters that fit him best need to have more edge than romantic dreamy-eyed Erik, so Derek Klena all the way (but let's be honest I'd pick Derek over anyone).

Here's a reason for Cole Sprouse to be considered for the role, he surprisingly can really sing, which he proved on Riverdale.

link

He can play more than just the goofy characters like Cody from Suite Life. He has proven in Riverdale and Five Feet Apart that he can play more serious roles and has the acting chops for the role. Not to mention he looks like the character now that his hair is black.

Well personally it’s like watching Ashton Kutcher or Jack Black be in a serious movie, I’ve seen them in too many goofy things to be able to take them seriously in anything other than a comedy. I know the thing about acting is actors and actresses play more than one role in different genres but if you’ve been playing the same role for too long it’s hard to imagine it working