The director of ‘The Little Mermaid’ explains why Harry Styles turned down the part of Prince Eric.

The director of The Little Mermaid explained why Harry Styles turned down the part of Prince Eric in the forthcoming Disney picture.

In Entertainment Weekly’s new digital cover story on the highly anticipated live-action remake of 1989’s animated musical, director Rob Marshall revealed that he first offered Styles the role of Eric. Styles, on the other hand, “truly felt like he wanted to go out and make the movies that he ended up making, which were somewhat darker,” Marshall explained, referring to the singer’s R-rated 2022 films Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.

The Grammy-winning musician, 29, also appeared in the 2021 Marvel film Eternals. Marshall also stated that Jonah Hauer-King, who portrays Prince Eric opposite Halle Bailey’s Ariel in The Little Mermaid, had the “sweetness” and “deep emotion” required for the part.

Yet, Styles had stated in an interview with The Face magazine back in 2019 that a prospective part for him “was explored” but never came to fruition.

“I want to put out music and concentrate on that for a bit,” he remarked at the time. “But everyone engaged was incredible, so I believe it will be fantastic. I’m sure I’ll love viewing it.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote three new original songs for the new Little Mermaid, including one for Prince Eric called Wild Unknown Seas.