Why did Harry Styles turn down role in ‘The Little Mermaid’? Director responds

It’s not news that Harry Styles was considered to play Prince Eric in the live-action The Little Mermaidstarring Halle Bailey — representatives of the singer himself had already confirmed that styles had spoken with the team behind the feature.

However, in an interview with Entertainment Weeklythe director Rob Marshall finally explained why. According to the filmmaker,stylesturned down the proposal because he wanted to play darker characters.

“We found him and he was lovely,” he said, saying he understood his decision. “For many young musicals, like harry, you’re trying to find your way and you don’t necessarily want to be seen as just a singer. So he wanted to do something outside the musical genre, to really develop.”

the role of Prince Eric stayed with Jonah Hauer-Kingwhile styles starred in more dramatic productions such as Do not worry, dear (2022) and My Policeman(2022). It is also worth remembering that the musician was also one of the options to interpret Elvis Presley in theaters, but austinbutler stayed with the paper.

With script by jane goldman and soundtrack signed by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the live-action The Little Mermaid will feature new songs, in addition to the iconic songs already known by the public.

In addition to Halle Bailey as ariel It is Jonah Hauer-King like the Prince Ericthe cast of the new version includes Melissa McCarthy asUrsula, Javier Bardem like the king newt, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina It is Daveed Diggs.

Directed by Rob Marshallthe feature promises to narrate the classic adventures of the mermaid who traded her tail for a pair of legs so that she could meet the prince. The Little Mermaidpremieres on May 26, 2023. Check out the trailer in full below: