Harry Styles reportedly cast as Prince Eric in live-action ‘Little Mermaid’—UPDATED

UPDATED: August 13, 2019 @ 7:22 p.m. EST

Sources have told Variety that Harry Styles has passed on the role of Prince Eric. According to these sources, “the initial reports about his casting were premature and that Styles made the decision to move on amicably.”

The studio has reportedly started looking at others for the role with a decision expected to come shortly.

Original Story: August 13, 2019 @ 6:17 p.m. EST

Last month, rumors began to surface in regards to more casting decisions in Disney‘s live-action The Little MermaidAccording to The Hollywood Reporter, Harry Styles was rumored to be in early negotiations to take the role of Ariel’s Prince Eric in the upcoming film.

Now, it looks like Styles may have officially snagged the role.

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Disney’s forthcoming remake has been popping up all over the internet with casting rumors and suggestions. In July, singer and actress Halle Bailey, who is part of the R&B duo Chloe x Hallewas announced as Ariel herself. 

Currently, Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina are also in talks to take roles in the remake.

Today, it looks like the circulating rumors of Styles playing Prince Eric are reportedly true.

Sources tell The Disney Insider that the singer has officially signed on to the project.

Currently, the news has not been confirmed by Styles or the film’s directors.

The remake will be directed by Rob Marshall, who has just finished Mary Poppins Returns for Disney.

The original film many grew up on was first released in 1989, starring Jodi Benson as Ariel and Pat Carroll as Ursula. Following its debut, the film became a short-lived TV series of the same name. A film sequel, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, was released in 2000. A prequel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, came eight years later in 2008.

The new film will incorporate songs from the original film as well as some new songs from Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

While Prince Eric didn’t sing any songs in the 1989 original film, he does perform several songs in the 2000s Broadway musical version.

If Styles is indeed the one filling the role, it’s likely that we’ll see at least once Prince Eric song tossed in there.

Production for the film is set to begin early 2020.

What do you think of Harry Styles taking on the role of Prince Eric? Sound off in the comments below!

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