Harry Styles is reportedly is in early talks to play Prince Eric in the new live-action version of The Little Mermaid. If the casting is made official, it indicates Disney's intent to take the film's music seriously - Styles originally shot to fame as one fifth of One Direction, and has since launched a solo career.
However, music isn't the only string to Styles' bow. He made his big acting debut in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk in 2017, a role he secured through talent rather than his profile.
"The truth is, Harry auditioned for our casting director, he sent the tape along," said Nolan in 2017. "The casting director rightly pointed out how good it was. We threw him into the mix with many, many other young men and he earned his seat at the table over a series of very hard-fought auditions."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 25-year-old Gucci muse - who co-hosted this year's Met Gala with Lady Gaga and Alessandro Michele - reportedly also tested for Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Elvis Presley biopic. That part went to Austin Butler earlier this week.
Casting is in full swing for the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, with Halle Bailey confirmed in the title role. Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina have also been attached to the film, although nothing has been confirmed.
The movie will be helmed by director Rob Marshall, who is known for his musical films, including Mary Poppins Returns, Nine and Chicago.
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