The Director Of "The Little Mermaid" Revealed Why Harry Styles Turned Down The Role Of Prince Eric

    Fans were campaigning for Harry to take on the role in the live-action flick.

    Alex Gurley
    by Alex Gurley

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    When the live-action Little Mermaid film was announced, fans thought Harry Styles would be the perfect fit for the role of Prince Eric.

    A close-up of Harry in multicolored, checkerboard overalls and bare-chested
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    Although Harry had plenty of people campaigning for him to be cast in the film, the role ultimately went to Jonah Hauer-King.

    A close-up of Jonah smiling and with his arms folded
    David M. Benett / Dave Benett / Getty Images for Prada

    Looking back on the casting process, the film's director, Rob Marshall, says it was actually Harry who turned down the role.

    A close-up of Harry smiling in a shiny cropped jacket and bare-chested
    Ian West — PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images

    In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rob explained that he did talk to Harry, but Harry wanted to go in a different direction.

    A close-up of Harry holding a Grammy
    Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images

    "[He] really felt like he wanted to go off and do the movies that he ended up doing, which were sort of darker," Rob explained, referencing Harry's films Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.

    A close-up of Harry smiling
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Meanwhile, when Harry was asked about the casting back in 2019, he had a similar response.

    A closeup of Harry
    Amy Sussman / Getty Images

    "It was dis­cussed," Harry told the Face. "I want to put music out and focus on that for a while. But every­one involved in it was amaz­ing, so I think it’s going to be great."

    A close-up of Harry in a suit
    Dominique Charriau / WireImage / Getty Images

    Harry added that while he didn't accept the role, he'll "enjoy watch­ing it" when it hits theaters this May.

    A close-up of Harry
    Kevin Mazur / WireImage / Getty Images

    You can read all that Rob had to say here.