Harry Styles Turned Down the Role of Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid” Reboot — Here's Why
Back in 2019, Harry Styles made headlines when it was announced that he was on the shortlist to play Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. But hopes were dashed when it was confirmed that the singer-songwriter passed on the role — and no, it was not because he had hidden aspirations of portraying a singing merman in his “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” music video.
Fast forward four years later — and just about two months (!) until the premiere of The Little Mermaid. Director Rob Marshall revealed why Harry wasn’t cast as Ariel’s love interest.
“We met with him. He was lovely. What a wonderful guy,” Marshall told Entertainment Weekly. “But at the end of the day, he really felt like he wanted to go off and do the movies that he ended up doing, which were sort of darker.”
ICYMI, Harry went on to star in the psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling (directed by his ex gf, Olivia Wilde), romantic drama My Policeman, and he even made a surprise appearance in Marvel’s Eternals. He also auditioned for the role of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated biopic, but the part famously went to Austin Butler.
“For a lot of young musical people like Harry, you're trying to carve your way and you don't wanna be seen as a singer, necessarily,” Marshall added. “That's why he was really looking to do something not in the musical genre, to really stretch himself. It was really a fun idea to play with, but in the end, I always think things happen for a reason. I'm so happy to have two young, new people in the film.”
British actor Jonah Hauer-King was ultimately cast as Prince Eric in the live-action film, opposite Halle Bailey in the iconic role of Ariel. In September 2019, when it was first announced that Harry wouldn’t be involved in The Little Mermaid, Harry opened up about his decision to take his name out of the running.
“It was discussed,” he told The Face. “I want to put music out and focus on that for a while. But everyone involved in it was amazing, so I think it’s going to be great. I’ll enjoy watching it, I’m sure.”
The Little Mermaid hits theaters on May 26, 2023.
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