Harry Styles almost went on an underwater adventure. However, the “As It Was” singer finally decided not to play Prince Eric in the live-action rendition of The Little Mermaid. And, as the film’s director, Rob Marshall, noted, it was all owing to Harry’s desire to work in a different universe.
“We had a meeting with Harry Styles. He was charming. “What a wonderful guy,” Rob stated in an April 4 interview with Entertainment Weekly. “But, at the conclusion of the day, he truly felt that he’d like to take the day off and do the darker movies that he wound up doing.”
Harry Styles Wants To Do Darker Roles
Instead, Harry goes on to appear as Jack in Don’t Worry Darling, a psychological thriller, and Tom Burgess in My Policeman, a homosexual love drama, both of which got released in 2022. The Grammy winner was not given a vocal role in either film, which Rob stated was on purpose.
“A lot of budding musical people, like Harry Styles, are trying to carve their way and don’t necessarily want to be seen as singers,” the Chicago director observed. “That’s why he was looking to do something outside of music to really stretch himself.” It was a great notion to play with, but in the end, I believe everything happens for a purpose. I’m overjoyed to have two new, youthful folks.
In the end, British actor Jonah Hauer-King was cast as Prince Eric alongside Halle Bailey’s Ariel. And the Chloe x Halle singer is beyond excited for audiences to watch the film when it finally hits theatres this spring.
“I am excited for everyone to finally see this film, for it to finally be released,” Halle said at the 2023 Kids’ Choice Awards. “We’ve been working on it for a long time, talking about it such a great time, but now we’re getting to see it, and I’m just grateful.” The Little Mermaid will be released in theatres on May 26.
