Styles passed on “The Little Mermaid” but did accept supporting roles in Olivia Wilde's “Don't Worry Darling” and the queer drama “My Policeman.” Both projects were more tailored to adults than the family-friendly Disney audience.
The director of Disney's The Little Mermaid, has revealed that Harry Styles turned down a role in the live-action film due to the singer seeking more “darker” movies. The 'As It Was' singer was initially approached to be cast as Prince Eric in the new remake of children's classic starring singer Halle Bailey.
Was Harry Styles supposed to play Eric in The Little Mermaid?
Harry Styles certainly fits the mold of a movie prince, so it should come as no surprise that he was considered for the role of Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. But the musician and actor declined the role, as he was looking for different types of films to add to his acting resume.
The photos are reportedly from a 2019 "Saturday Night Live" promo photoshoot that were never used. TODAY reached out to "SNL" for confirmation on this, and we will update this post if we hear back. In the pics, the "Golden" singer, 27, looks like a rock-star version of the sweet mermaid who dreamed of being human.
The Little Mermaid | Kiss the Girl | Lyric Video | Disney Sing Along
Who auditioned for Ursula in The Little Mermaid?
Lizzo showcased her audition for The Little Mermaid's Ursula in a since-privated viral video. She didn't get the part, but she "was down to make Ursula a THOT, shaking ass." The role went to Melissa McCarthy, whom Lizzo met during a taping of Adele's "One Night Only" concert.
Leading up the movie's big release, there were rumors that Harry Styles was in talks to play the beloved Prince Eric — you know, the prince with the flute and the shaggy dog — but ultimately, he passed on the chance to be a part of Disney history.
After five-time Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey landed the lead role, all eyes turned towards Prince Eric, which was looking like it was going to go to another music icon, Harry Styles.
Why did Disney choose a black actress for The Little Mermaid?
He says they were looking for the best actor for the role of any ethnicity who could not only sing but convey traits such as strength, passion, beauty, joy and intelligence, which they found in Bailey.
There was no statement by Disney as to why they made the change or where the design of this new dress came from, but it could've been a choice made to better represent her character, since the pink gown was just one that Eric's family had around the palace.
And that brings us to the sad justification - it's cheaper. While lighting itself isn't all that expensive, darkness can be used to hide a lot of things. Halle Bailey is not actually a mermaid, and so having the scenes be darker makes it easier to disguise the CGI work.
Though the part ultimately went to Melissa McCarthy, Lizzo told Variety this week what her interpretation of the character would have looked like. "Everyone knows I auditioned for Ursula in The Little Mermaid, and I didn't get it.
What is the meaning of Harry Styles butterfly tattoo?
One of the most recognizable tattoos on Styles' body is the butterfly tattoo below his chest. The tattoo is in memory of his grandmother, who passed away in 2013. According to Styles, his grandmother was the definition of true beauty, so the butterfly has become a symbol that means beauty and grace to him.
Director Rob Marshall had auditioned the crème de la crème of young Hollywood for the role, and even Zendaya was rumored to have read for the part. But it was movie newcomer Bailey who won the coveted lead.
Disney's live-action “The Little Mermaid” had “no agenda” when it came to the casting of Ariel, director Rob Marshall told Entertainment Weekly. The “Chicago” and “Into the Woods” director said his team auditioned “every ethnicity” for the role before landing on singer Halle Bailey.
The Ursula we know (and fear) was almost not. Disney worked through several versions of “The Little Mermaid's” antagonist, from trying to cast Bea Arthur, Joan Collins and Broadway star Elaine Stritch to voice the villain to considering her form to a shark.
LaBeouf was originally cast as the male lead opposite Florence Pugh in the psychological thriller about a married couple living in a town dominated by a sinister company. He left the role in August 2020 and was replaced by Styles.
Due to Louis and Harry's close friendship since the band was formed on X Factor, some fans believed in the 'Larry' theory, which alleged that the pair were 'more than friends. ' However, Louis Tomlinson has confirmed that this is untrue.
Louis Tomlinson Admits He Was Jealous of Harry Styles' Success: 'I'd Be Lying If I Said It Didn't Bother Me' "I look on Harry like a brother, man," he said of his former bandmate. "I have a lot of pride for what he's doing."
Director Rob Marshall reveals what it was like seeing Halle Bailey's initial audition for Ariel. “The first actor we saw for this role was Halle. The first thing she did is she came in and sang for us. She shut her eyes and started to sing the song.
The actress was especially drawn to the role of Ursula the sea witch. "I loved her so much. She's such a broad, I just wanted to have a drink with her," McCarthy says. "And yes, she's the villain, but I was like, I think I get her.
The Little Mermaid director Rob Marshall has explained the reasons behind Melissa McCarthy's casting as Ursula in upcoming live action remake. Speaking to SFX magazine, Marshall revealed that the actress' background in drag performance had been a significant part in her landing the role.
