Unfortunately, Harry Styles Is Not Playing Prince Eric In The Little Mermaid

Much to our disappointment, Harry Styles isn't going under the sea to star as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid.

After the Twitter rumour mill went into overdrive saying that he had been picked for the iconic role, sources confirmed to Variety that in fact Harry had passed on the opportunity.

The website reports, ‘Sources say the initial reports about his casting were premature and that Styles made the decision to move on amicably.'

According to The Hollywood Reporter,the singer-turned-actor was in early negotiations to play the role in the live-action remake.

Instead, London-based actor Jonah Hauer-King will star in the live-action remake.

Production on the film is set to start next year, and it was recently announced that Halle Bailey of Chloe x Halle fame was taking the lead role of Ariel.

As we previously reported, even though Melissa McCarthy is being touted for the role of Ursula - Lizzo has been making her case to play the film’s villain, as you can see from the video of her singing Pool Unfortunate Souls from last Halloween.

It does look like Harry is definitely searching for a new project though, as he was recently screen testedfor the role of Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic. (But, unfortunately, that part has now been handed to Austin Butler.)

A source told The Sun in January, ‘Since stepping away from 1D Harry has really enjoyed life outside that pop bubble.

'Acting is something he really enjoys and he’s been working behind the camera on a number of different projects.

'Harry has a base in LA and is ensconced with James Corden and his producer Ben Winston there. And right now he has absolutely no desire to get 1D back together.'

READ MORE: Who Cares Ariel Isn't A Redhead? We're Here For Halle Bailey As The Little Mermaid