Harry Styles ‘in talks to play Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid remake’

Harry Styles is said to be in talks to star as Prince Eric in Disney’s live action remake of The Little Mermaid.

After originally rising to fame in One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, Styles released a solo album in 2017.

More recently he has been taking on acting roles, appearing in Oscar winning Dunkirk.

Now it’s been reported (via Variety) that Styles is in “early negotiations” to play Prince Eric in Disney’s upcoming revival of The Little Mermaid.

Production on a new version of the 1989 animated film is due to begin in 2020, with a release date still to be confirmed.

It was previously announced that in the lead role of Ariel, originally voiced by Jodi Benson, will be singer Halle Bailey.

Director Rob Marshall said: “After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role.”

Further confirmed casting includes 12-year-old Room star Jacob Tremblay as Flounder while Crazy Rich Asians actress and comic Awkwafina is set to play seagull Scuttle.

Alongside the rumours of Harry Styles as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy is said to be in talks to play sea witch Ursula.

The live action adaption will feature music & lyrics from original songwriters Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, plus new songs from Menken and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.