Ever since Styles made his debut role in 2016 in Christopher Nolan's World War II epic Dunkirk, it's not surprising that he has captured the attention of directors across Hollywood. Not only has he appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie Eternals as Eros, brother of Thanos, but he is also sent to appear in the psychological thriller, Don't Worry Darling, as well as indie film, My Policeman.
However, what some fans might not be aware of is that Styles' career could have started much earlier as he was offered some major roles in several big blockbusters. If he had taken them up, who knows if these movies would have ended up being more successful and memorable.
Mattheus in Tulip Fever
Harry Styles' massive popularity and substantial charisma meant that he was receiving movie offers when he was still a member of the boyband One Direction. In 2014, Styles was offered the role of Mattheus, a painter, in Tulip Fever back in 2014 but turned it down as the band was touring (via Metro). The role then went to Matthew Morrison instead.
Styles was probably right to turn this role down, as the film received highly negative reviews, with only 15% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was the last to be released by The Weinstein Company, which is now defunct. This association likely helped audiences become reluctant to see it in theatres, as it only grossed $9.2 million against a $25 million budget (via Box Office Mojo and USA Today).
Cameo as Himself in Yesterday
If someone has seen the 2019 Danny Boyle movie Yesterday, a musical fantasy film where only one man re the music of The Beatles, they may have seen a familiar face. Singer Ed Sheeran plays a fictionalized version of himself in the film and helps the film's protagonist (played by Himesh Patel) start his music career. He is floored by his unique style, unaware that it was written by The Beatles.
However, Ed Sheeran was not the original choice for the film. Sheeran itted he was actually Danny Boyle's "third choice" for the film (via Pearl & Dean). Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, then Harry Styles, were asked to play the role before turning it down. Given his musical roots, it would've been an interesting film for Styles to cameo in.
Tom in Last Christmas
Styles has been a heartthrob amongst fans since the beginning of his career, so it would be natural for him to be a top casting choice for a romantic comedy when he ventured into a film career. His natural charisma and penchant for romance as shown in his lyrics would make him a suitable romantic lead for any film.
It may come as no surprise then that Styles was offered the lead role in 2019's Last Christmas in a role that eventually went to Henry Golding (via Capital FM). According to the film's director, Paul Feig, Styles felt he was "too young" to play the romantic male lead. Given the film's warm reception by fans, especially towards Henry Golding's performance, he may have been right.
Nosferatu in Nosferatu
Acclaimed film director Robert Eggers is working on a remake of the classic horror film Nosferatu, 100 years on from the original film's release. Eggers has become a popular director amongst film fans through cult classics such as The Lighthouse and The Witch. Eggers also tends to work frequently with actors he forms a creative partnership with, such as Willem Dafoe and Anya Taylor-Joy, who have both been cast in Nosferatu.
Robert Eggers addressed rumors that Harry Styles was originally slated to appear in Nosferatu as the title character before the part was given to Willem Dafoe (via The Guardian). In an interview with The Guardian, Eggers confirmed that he did cast Styles in the movie, but as Thomas Hutter rather than the titular role. While not the lead, Hutter is one of the main protagonists of the original film and Dracula tale. Given Eggers' acclaimed direction and approach to casting, this is one casting that would likely have won Styles even more fans.
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part II
Dune was one of the biggest movie hits of 2021, both financially and critically, grossing $400 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo) and winning 6 Academy Awards. The sci-fi epic was adapted from the 1965 Frank Herbert novel of the same name. As fans of the Dune know, it only adapted the first half of the novel, revealing itself to be "Dune: Part One" at the beginning. Given its success, the sequel is highly anticipated and the expansion of its storytelling has left viewers revealing their dream castings.
Related: 10 Things From The Book That Part 2 Of Dune Has To Include
One of the most fan-casted roles for the Dune sequel is Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by musician Sting in the 1984 movie adaptation. Feyd-Rautha is the nephew of Baron Harkonnen, the antagonist of the first film, and is also a nemesis of protagonist Paul as he continues on his hero's journey. It is unsurprising that Harry Styles was considered by director Denis Villeneuve for the part, before being given to Austin Butler. Having been played by a singer previously, and portrayed as a handsome, charismatic figure, it seems only natural that Styles would be a candidate.
Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid
Over the past few years, Disney has re-imagined many of its most beloved animated movies into live action remakes. Given the widespread popularity of the original 1989 version of The Little Mermaid, a remake was always on the cards. This adaptation's version of Prince Eric is regarded as one of the best Disney princes due to his romantic appeal and connection with Ariel.
Shortly after Halle Bailey was announced as the live action adaptation's Ariel, rumors quickly began swirling over who would play opposite her as Prince Eric. Reports began speculating that Harry Styles was offered the part opposite Bailey. In 2019, Styles confirmed he did almost play the part, stating that "[Disney] shoot for so long and I want to tour next year," and that "it just didn’t quite line up" (via Independent).
Han Solo in Solo
Han Solo is not only one of the most iconic characters of the Star Wars franchise, but in all of movie history. Harrison Ford's enigmatic screen presence and natural charisma has been a source of inspiration for actors since his first appearance in 1994. When it was announced that the character would get his own spin-off movie, it comes as no surprise that many actors were keen to play the role themselves in the 2018 movie Solo: A Star Wars Story.
The long line-up of those who auditioned for the role included Jack O'Connell, Jack Reynor, Taron Egerton, and Styles himself, before the role eventually went to Alden Ehrenreich. While Styles has not explicitly commented on auditioning for the role, he teasingly dodged the question when asked about it on The Graham Norton Show (via The Metro).
Elvis Presley in Elvis
The Elvis Presley biopic, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is highly anticipated amongst moviegoers for many reasons. Luhrmann is a renowned director for his unique creative flair and visual style, and would easily make a dazzling biopic for history's most beloved musician. When Tom Hanks was cast in the role as Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, the movie seemed even more destined for greatest amongst critics and during awards season.
In 2019, Harry Styles confirmed he auditioned for the role before it was awarded to Austin Butler (via Elvis Presley starred in movies while mainly a musician himself, it would be interesting to have seen Styles explore that connection through his portrayal.
