The Little Mermaid casting rumors are heating up with two big names in official talks
The more we hear about the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake, the more excited we’re getting. Disney has already confirmed that Grown-ish star Halle Bailey is our new Ariel, and reports have been swirling that the highly anticipated live-action remake will also feature some more familiar faces, with Awkwafina voicing a gender-swapped Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay to star as Flounder, and Melissa McCarthy reportedly in talks to join as Ursula.
Of course, there are still some key roles to fill—namely, King Triton, Ariel’s overprotective dad, and Prince Eric, the human prince that she falls for. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there are two major stars in talks to join the cast…and One Direction fans are going to love this news.
THR reports that Harry Styles is in “early negotiations” to play the charming Prince Eric.
While most know him as a member of 1D who branched out on his own after the group went on hiatus, he actually has been on the big screen before, acting in 2017’s World War II drama, Dunkirk.
The new report also suggests that Eric is slated to have more of a musical presence in the new The Little Mermaid remake than he did in the 1989 animated film, meaning we can’t wait to hear the musical magic Styles and Bailey make together.
Harry Styles playing as Prince Eric is what we ALL deserve pic.twitter.com/aUU4RUwaW8
— l🥀 (@piinkharry_) July 17, 2019
One Direction fans, thrilled by the potential of Styles playing Prince Eric, took to Twitter to express their excitement for the “Sign of the Times” singer as the latest Disney prince.
harry styles as prince eric. it isn’t a question but i most certainly agree pic.twitter.com/qyfInm3tO9
— ruth (@fireproofruth) July 17, 2019
harry styles RADIATES prince eric energy. pic.twitter.com/qr3wHh8eSW
— emme (@arisonlyangcl) July 17, 2019
me auditioning as a fish to see harry styles as prince eric #PrinceEric #HarryStyles pic.twitter.com/MFdcveHZUz
— ~hi (@simamartini) July 17, 2019
prince eric and ariel pic.twitter.com/uf6PNUrO7L
— milly (@hrrygala) July 16, 2019
if Harry Styles gets cast as prince eric i will literally audition to play a grain of sand
— Amber Scholl (@AmberScholl) July 16, 2019
As for King Triton, THR confirms that Javier Bardem is “in talks” to play Ariel’s dad, and fans are equally excited for this casting choice.
javier bardem as king triton is something i didnt know i wanted
— adriana saw ffh (@b99loki) July 18, 2019
This would bring me so much joy.
LOVING the casting and this would just be the cherry on top.#LittleMermaid https://t.co/BdutrgLw0Q— Ren Montoro (@RenMontoro_) July 17, 2019
Javier Bardem as King Triton?
Ummmm, yes daddy.#TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/KQjiHqTmOk— Rage Against The Kids In Cages (@DystopianHero) July 17, 2019
Here’s hoping that Disney confirms all this news ASAP, because we are so ready to be part of this world. Stay tuned.
