Harry Styles says the decision not to play Prince Eric in the live action/CGI adaptation of The Little Mermaid was all about timing.
“They shoot for so long and I want to tour next year and stuff,” Styles told the UK’s Capital FM. “It just didn’t quite line up.”
Last summer, there were reports that Styles was being considered for the role. According to Deadline, he didn't want to commit to the film until he found out if he was chosen to portray Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's forthcoming biopic (that role went to Austin Butler). A tweet in August claiming that Styles had signed on to play Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid was quickly shot down.
The singer, who recently released “Lights Up” from his forthcoming sophomore solo album, is expected to announce a 2020 tour following his Nov. 16 appearance on Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest.
“I’m nervous a little bit but I’m excited about it,” Styles said of doing double duty. “I’ve been before to perform and know … the insanity that goes on backstage. The idea of doing both is a little terrifying but I’m definitely excited about it. It’s going to be fun.”
In the same interview, Styles was asked for more details about his Oct. 23 tweet: “Kiwi walked so Watermelon Sugar could run.” Many fans assume that since “Kiwi” was the name of his 2017 song, “Watermelon Sugar” is likely the title of his next single.
Styles replied: “You’ll have to wait and find out.”