Harry Styles is puckering up to kiss the girl!
Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, it looks like the former One Direction front man is in early negotiations to play the role of Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. For those not in the know, Eric is the bipedal love interest of the finned Princess Ariel. Styles will star opposite R&B singer Halle Bailey, who was recently announced as the titular mermaid. Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are also headed under the sea.
Casting both Styles and Bailey in lead roles is another tell that Disney intends of keeping the focus on the music. Ironically enough, as the outlet points out, Prince Eric didn’t sing any songs in the original 1989 film. However, the character later performed several tunes, including two solos, in the 2000s Broadway musical.
However, Styles is more than a face and a voice. He made his acting debut with Christopher Nolan’s 2017 World War II drama Dunkirk. If Styles is good enough for Nolan, then I’m not gonna worry about this casting decision.
The original The Little Mermaid won best original song and score Oscars for Alan Menken. The composer is expected to return for the upcoming remake and will compose a new song with lyrics from Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is also producing.
Mermaid is being directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Mary Poppins Returns) and is slated for an early 2020 production start.
What do you make of the casting of Harry Styles as Prince Eric? Does it excite you more to see The Little Mermaid? Or would you rather see a proven actor in the role? Swim down to the comments below and let me know your thoughts!
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