Harry Styles in Talks to Play Prince Eric in 'The Little Mermaid'
Disney's latest live-action remake, "The Little Mermaid," has been shoring up its cast in recent weeks, including finding its titular star. And now, it's reportedly poised to cast a onetime singing superstar.
Collider broke the news that none other than Harry Styles, the former One Directioner, is in talks to play Prince Eric, the hot human love interest to Ariel (Halle Bailey), a mermaid who falls head over tail for him at first sight, and trades away her voice for a chance to be part of his world. According to Collider, the talks are early, so this casting isn't set in stone just yet -- though it would make perfect sense.
Styles definitely has the heartthrob part down pat, thanks to his boy band days, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, his built-in One Direction fan base should easily score some additional eyeballs for the flick. THR also points out that Eric doesn't do any singing in the original 1989 film, though the 2000 Broadway musical changed that; if Styles is indeed cast, it seems likely that this new live-action version will be giving Eric some tunes to belt out, too.
The singer has been attempting to carve out an acting career for himself after going solo from One Direction, including making his feature debut in Christopher Nolan's lauded 2017 WWII epic, "Dunkirk." Styles also earned a spot on the shortlist for Baz Luhrmann's upcoming Elvis biopic, though the title role ultimately went to Austin Butler.
"The Little Mermaid," which is also negotiating roles for Melissa McCarthy, Awkwafina, and Jacob Tremblay, is planning to start production sometime early next year.