Harry Styles in ‘The Little Mermaid’ remake

Former One Direction member Harry Styles is in early negotiations for a major role in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, according to various sources. Halle Bailey, part of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, was recently cast as the lead character Ariel earlier this month. Styles appeared in the war drama Dunkirk directed by Christopher Nolan back in 2017, and was recently shortlisted for the main role on the forthcoming Elvis biopic, a part which was given to Austin Butler who starred in The Dead Don’t Die and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

According to NME, The Little Mermaid will be manned by director Rob Marshall and penned by David Magee. Original songs from the classic 1989 animated film will be included in the remake, as well as new songs from Alan Menken, the original composer of the film, with lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton.

Also reportedly in talks with Disney for major roles in the remake are Jacob Tremblay to play and voice Flounder and Akwafina to play the role of Scuttle. Melissa McCarthy is also in talks to play the nemesis of Ariel, Ursula.