Yesterday, U.S. theater chains AMC and Regal Cinemas both put out tweets suggesting that Harry Styles has been cast in the role of Prince Eric in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, but according to The Wrap, this info is inaccurate and the former One Direction star has actually passed on the role.
It had been revealed last month that Styles, who made his feature film debut in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, was in negotiations for the male lead in the live-action remake of the 1989 animated film, where he would have starred opposite Halle Bailey as Ariel. However, The Wrap has since claimed that Styles turned down the opportunity, and that while he “is a fan of the project [he] respectfully declined”.
SEE ALSO: Halle Bailey brushes aside criticism of Ariel casting in The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is being directed by Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) from a script by David Magee (Finding Neverland), and will see Halle Bailey joined in the cast by Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) as Ursula, Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay (The Predator) as Flounder, and Javier Bardem (Everybody Knows) as King Triton.
Originally published August 14, 2019. Updated October 12, 2019.
