‘The Little Mermaid’ Remake Might Cast Harry Styles as Prince Eric
Written by SOURCE on July 17, 2019
The Little Mermaid casting is moving right along. The live-action remake’s choice of Ariel caused an internet dust-up among racists and other assorted idiots, but the production was not slowed down one bit. The Hollywood Reporter claims that they already have a potential Prince Eric in their sights, looking to cast the One Direction member-turned-actor Harry Styles.
THR reports that Styles is in “early negotiations” to play the iconic role and adds that the remake is showing its hand a bit if casting both Styles and Halle Bailey as the leads. Both actors come from the music world, suggesting a song-heavy remake.
Via THR:
The casting of Styles and Bailey show the studio’s intent of making the music a central component of the remake. Interestingly, the character of Eric performed no songs in the 1989 original. However, that was remedied in the 2000s Broadway musical, with Eric now performing several, including two solos.
Styles has far more singing experience than he does acting credits, but the ex-1D star isn’t entirely green. He starred in Christopher Nolan’s widescreen World War II epic Dunkirk back in 2017.
As previously mentioned, the casting for The Little Mermaid has already been scrutinized by the internet’s worst people. The outcry got bad enough that other Ariels and Disney remake veteran Donald Glover chimed in to support Bailey.
“We were just watching that film and I’m like, that’s such a great story but I’m just like, I dunno, I just hope that she’s like having fun and don’t let anybody make you feel the opposite of how you want to feel,” Glover said. “It’s a very special role and you earned it, so I hope you’re listening.”
