Photo: Neil Mockford/FilmMagic

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Harry Styles attends The BRIT Awards 2023 at The O2 Arena on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/FilmMagic)

Harry Stylescame close to playing a Disney Prince!

InEntertainment Weekly’snew digital cover storyabout the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of the 1989 animated musical, director Rob Marshall, 62, confirmed that he talked with Styles, 29, about playing the love interest, Prince Eric, for the movie.

However, Styles “really felt like he wanted to go off and do the movies that he ended up doing, which were sort of darker,” said Marshall, referring to the singer’s R-rated 2022filmsDon’t Worry DarlingandMy Policeman. The Grammy winner also made a cameo in the 2021 Marvel movieEternals.

Jonah Hauer-Kingwas eventually cast opposite Halle Bailey’s Ariel. Marshall toldEWthat the actor had a “sweetness” and “deep passion” that fit the character.

Hauer-King, 27, recalled how Bailey, 23, knocked on his trailer door, wished him luck and expressed that she hoped to see him again after they auditioned together, while three other actors were also vying for the male lead role.

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“I didn’t take her being kind to me as any indication. I just assumed she was a lovely person and would’ve done that for anyone,” he said. “I thought, ‘What does it all mean? Isthatan indication? Did she knock on everyone’s door?’ "

He added of Bailey, “We became very, very close friends — and still are.”

Styles previously spoke aboutturning down theLittle Mermaidrole. He toldThe Facemagazineback in 2019 that a possible role for him “was discussed” but never came to fruition.

“I want to put music out and focus on that for a while,” he said at the time. “But everyone involved in it was amazing, so I think it’s going to be great. I’ll enjoy watching it, I’m sure.”

TheLittle Mermaidis in theaters May 26.

source: people.com