Why Harry Styles said ‘No’ to the ‘Little Mermaid’
Former One Direction star, Harry Styles, revealed in an interview with The Face that he decided to pass on the role of Prince Eric in the live action remake of The Little Mermaid in order to “put music out and focus on that for a while.” This means that he’ll be taking a break from his burgeoning acting career.
Style made his film debut in Dunkirk, the WWII epic of Christopher Nolan, back in 2017 which came out two months after his self-titled album. He was also one of the several actors considered for the lead role in an Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann, which eventually went to actor Austin Butler.
“[Elvis] was such an icon for me growing up. There was something almost sacred about him, almost like I didn’t want to touch him. Then I ended up getting into [his life] a bit and I wasn’t disappointed,” Styles said to the magazine. ?“I feel like if I’m not the right person for the thing, then it’s best for both of us that I don’t do it, you know?”
As for The Little Mermaid role, Styles stated that the role was “discussed,” saying that “everyone involved was amazing, so I think it’s going to be great. I’ll enjoy watching it, I’m sure.” In the meantime, he already finished his work on his untitled second solo album and has already picked a lead single which Steve Nicks, Fleetwood Mac singer and Style’s long time pal, says that it will surprise longtime fans.
“It’s not like the last album,” Nicks said. “It’s not like anything One Direction ever did. It’s pure Harry, as Harry would say. He’s made a very different record and it’s spectacular.”
