Harry Styles Turned Down Role in The Little Mermaid to Pursue Darker Films
The Little Mermaid director, Rob Marshall, recently revealed to Entertainment Weekly that Harry Styles chose not to embody Prince Eric because the singer sought to pursue “darker” roles. This comment, however, has upset some of Styles’ fans.
The Little Mermaid (2023) is Disney’s live-action event of the year. The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, who is best known for her music as a part of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle. Jonah Hauer-King will embody Prince Eric, which is expected to be the British actor’s breakthrough performance.
The all-new poster for #TheLittleMermaid arrives! See the movie only in theaters May 26! pic.twitter.com/6w0nuaeIU1
— The Little Mermaid (@LittleMermaid) March 13, 2023
However, the film’s director revealed that the film’s team considered pop superstar Harry Styles for the role. Marshall stated that although Styles was “wonderful,” “at the end of the day, [Styles] really felt like he wanted to go off and do the movies that he ended up doing, which were sort of darker.” Marshall furthered, “[Styles] was really looking to do something not in the musical genre, to really stretch himself.”
On the other hand, Marshall explained that not casting Styles allowed for new opportunities. He shared, “I always think things happen for a reason. I’m so happy to have two young, new people in the film.” Many fans online have shared the same response and are excited to see the film.
the little mermaid live action comes out in a little over a month and i’m so excited that i need to scream
— wes (@2dblondes) April 8, 2023
In 2022, Styles starred in both Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman. His performance in both films received mixed reactions, as did the overall films.
In 2019, Styles himself commented on the casting with The Face. The singer shared, The Little Mermaid role “was discussed,” but “I want to put music out and focus on that for a while.” Although not in the film, Styles did express his excitement about it. He stated, “everyone involved in it was amazing, so I think it’s going to be great.”
Fans of Styles, however, were unhappy about Marshall’s reasoning regarding why Styles did not take the part. “Stans” of the singer accused Marshall of “lying on his name.”
they just assumed that, he didn’t accept the role because he was supposed to be on tour.
— c ★ (@louitwalls) April 12, 2023
The Little Mermaid opens in theaters on May 26. In the meantime, the trailer is available to watch below.
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