Harry Styles has "respectfully declined" the role of Prince Eric in Disney's upcoming live-action version of The Little Mermaid. The former One Direction member would have featured opposite R&B singer Halle Bailey, who is playing the titular mermaid Ariel. 

Having made his debut with Christopher Nolan's World War II drama Dunkirk in 2017, Styles was reported to be a part of the project in July when both AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas incorrectly tweeted that the singer had been cast in the role, before deleting the posts.

Ursula is speculated to be played by Melissa McCarthy, while discussions are on with Javier Bardem for King Triton, Awkwafina for Scuttle and Jacob Tremblay for Flounder.

The film, which is scheduled to begin production in early 2020, is directed by Rob Marshall from David Magee's script.