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Harry Styles passes on role of Prince Eric in ‘The Little Mermaid’ remake

The One Direction star was reportedly in talks to play the love interest of Ariel

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Harry Styles has passed on the role of Prince Eric in the live-action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Fans went wild this week when gossip site, DisInsider, reported that the One Direction star was set to play the male lead in the upcoming live-action remake starring alongside Halle Bailey as Ariel aka The Little Mermaid.

However, Variety have now confirmed that the singer has passed on the role and the hunt for Prince Eric is still ongoing.

Although the entertainment news site reports that Melissa McCarthy has been cast to play villain Ursula, it’s not actually been confirmed by Disney as of yet.

Room star Jacob Tremblay and Crazy Rich Asians actress and comic Awkwafina have also been cast to play Flounder and Scuttle respectively.

Other casting speculations include Javier Bardem as King Triton. 

The new remake – one of many Disney live-action reboots in the works – will be directed by Rob Marshall with a script by David Magee.

It’s reported that the new movie will feature original songs from the 1989 classic as well as brand new songs from composer Alan Menken with lyrics from Moana creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.