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Jonah Hauer-Kingis flattered to be mentioned in the same sentence asHarry Styles.
The relative newcomer spoke toThe Hollywood Reporteraboutlanding the role of Prince Ericin the upcomingLittle Mermaidlive-action film after the Grammy winner was considered for the same part.
“He’s pretty cool and amazingly talented, so yeah, it was cool to be mentioned in the same breath,” Hauer-King, 27, said of Styles, 29.
Director Rob Marshall confirmed toEntertainment Weeklyin April that he had talked with Styles about playing the film’s love interest.
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, 62, referring to the singer’s R-rated 2022filmsDon’t Worry DarlingandMy Policeman.
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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.”
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Hauer-King was eventually cast oppositeHalle Bailey’s Ariel. Marshall toldEWthat the actor had a “sweetness” and “deep passion” that fit the character.
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As for preparing for the role, Hauer-King said of himself and Bailey, 23, who makes up half of the sister singing duoChloe x Halle, “We were both experiencing something very new, doing a film like this.”
“She obviously had vast experience in the music world, much more than I did, and I’ve probably done a few more acting gigs than she had, but in terms of doing a film like this, there was nothing that really could have prepared us,” he added.
The cast also includesJavier Bardem,Melissa McCarthyandJacob Tremblay, plusThe Undoingactress Noma Dumezweni as a new character, Prince Eric’s mom Queen Selina.
The Little Mermaidswims into theaters May 26.
source: people.com
