Little Mermaid Live-Action Remake Has Cast Its Prince Eric

The live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid currently in the works at Disney has been slowly pulling together its cast, but the important role of Prince Eric took longer to fill than others. Back in July Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel, the film's lead, and Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, and Daveed Diggs have also joined the film's cast. But Prince Eric's casting was delayed after first choice Harry Styles turned down the role.

But now the part has been cast, with The Hollywood Reporter reporting that British actor Jonah Hauer-King is stepping in to play the dashing prince. The 24-year-old actor, whose previous credits include A Dog's Way Home and the UK WWII drama TV series World on Fire, will play the part voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes in the original 1989 Disney animated film.

The Little Mermaid live-action film has been in consideration since 2016, and will follow on from recent efforts like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Dumbo. The film will be directed by Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns, Into The Woods), and will feature new music from Hamilton writer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Disney has also launched their new streaming service, Disney +, although it has been plagued by issues. It'll likely be the home to more Disney live-action remakes in the future, with a version of Lady and the Tramp available at launch.