Despite contrary media reports, it was confirmed early last month that singer-songwriter and former One Direction member Harry Styles would NOT be taking on the role of Prince Eric in Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. While fans were saddened by the news, Styles did have his reasons for not pursuing the role, and he is finally setting the record straight about them.
"I want to put music out and focus on that for a while," the "Sign of the Times" singer explained in a recent interview with The Face. "But everyone involved in it was amazing, so I think it’s going to be great. I’ll enjoy watching it, I’m sure."
As it turns out, this wasn't the only acting role that didn't work out in Styles's favor. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 25 year old also auditioned to play legendary musician and King of Rock Elvis Presley for an upcoming biopic by Baz Luhrmann, and was in the running alongside other popular young actors like Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, and Austin Butler (who ended up getting the part).
"[Elvis] was such an icon for me growing up," Harry told The Face. "There was something almost sacred about him, almost like I didn’t want to touch him. Then I ended up getting into [his life] a bit and I wasn’t disappointed."
Like a true gentleman, there were no hard feelings, though: "I feel like if I’m not the right person for the thing, then it’s best for both of us that I don’t do it, you know?"
