Harry Styles could be set to play Prince Eric in live-action 'The Little Mermaid'

Harry Styles is reportedly in talks to play Prince Eric in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

According to Variety, the former One Direction star is in early negotiations to join the reboot directed by Rob Marshall, known for his work on Mary Poppins Returns.

This comes after the news that Halle Bailey has been cast in the lead role of Ariel made a splash around the world.

Meanwhile, Melissa McCarthy could be playing the villainous Ursula with reports of her also being in early talks with Disney for the part.

Other celebrities who have become fan favourite casting picks for the film include Terry Crews as Ariel's father, King Tritons and Gordon Ramsay to take on the role of Angry Chef Louis.

The upcoming adaptation will feature songs from the 1989 animated classics, as well as new ones from original composer Alan Menken and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Since One Direction, Styles has carved out his own solo career, releasing his debut album in 2017.

He made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's war epic Dunkirk in 2017, in which he starred alongside Fionn Whitehead, Kenneth Branagh and Barry Keoghan.

This article was first published on the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission. Additional reporting by The Hits.