Looks like Harry Styles is a no for the role of dashing Prince Eric in the upcoming, live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. Two sources recently released the news that Styles was in talks with Disney to take on the role. This was only shortly after he was passed over for the part of Elvis Presley in the upcoming Warner Brothers film by Baz Luhrmann. Co-stars would have been the likes of Tom Hanks, but just when Styles was expected to say yes to Prince Eric, the young star bowed out politely.
The Cast
The role of Ariel, the strong-willed daughter of King Triton who wants to don real legs instead of a mermaid's tail, goes to Halle Bailey. This young singer is one half of the singing sensation Chloe and Halley. King Triton himself is expected to be portrayed by Javier Bardem, and the evil Ursula will be played by Melissa McCarthy.
Shutterstock image: Halle Bailey
Two of the mermaid who wants to be on dry land's best friends, the illustrious Flounder and Scuttle, will be played by actors to be announced shortly. As of now, the roles are supposedly going to Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is expected to play the part of Sebastian the Crab, but that key role has yet to be confirmed. Although, Miranda is producing the live-action film and writing some new songs with the original Oscar-winning songwriter of the 1989 animation, Alan Menken. That is being taken as a hint that Miranda will eventually be confirmed as Sebastian.
Shutterstock image: Lin-Manuel Miranda
The film will be directed by Rob Marshall of Mary Poppins Returns's fame. It is going to be produced with Miranda and Marc Platt and John DeLuca. The production is slated to start at the beginning of the coming year. Even though Harry Styles is out as Prince Eric, it is clear that there is enough time for someone new and exciting to be chosen for this part. The Wrap has already hinted that Style's replacement is about to be chosen and should be announced soon. This adds to the excitement of the forthcoming remake which is set to follow in the wake of The Lion King animation's live-action remake.