Harry Styles very nearly filled Harrison Ford's shoes as the iconic character Han Solo in the upcoming Star Wars prequel film. According to sources, the One Direction band member was one of the early contenders for the coveted role as the charming smuggler, but ultimately lost out on the role as he would have been "impossible" to lock down.
READ: Harry Styles debuts new single Sign of the Times: listen to it here!
A source told The Sun: "Harry was one of the early names in contention when the studio looked at Han Solo. Even though he had virtually no acting experience, they saw he had huge star potential and would give the solo project enormous publicity." The role eventually went to Alden Ehrenreich, who will star in the film alongside Donald Glover, who will play Lando Calrissian, and Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke. The source also confirmed that the actor was allegedly being considered for a smaller part in the rumoured spin-off film about Obi Wan Kenobi.
READ: Harry Styles would be 'honoured' to be godfather to Cheryl and Liam's baby
Harry was considered for Harrison Ford's iconic role
Harry, who recently debuted his first solo single, Sign of the Times, will appear in Dunkirk for his first ever acting role later this year. His co-star, Mark Rylance, was full of praise for the 23-year-old's acting talent, telling the Evening Standard: "What's really surprised me is he's really witty, really funny - he really makes me laugh. He's been ever so brave, not making any fuss. He seems remarkable... one of those people - Sean Penn has it too - a kind of panache. I look at them and think, 'How did you get that? How do you get so that life is easy?' But he has got a lovely, lovely character. It's a gift."
The role eventually went to Alden Ehrenreich
Speaking about his solo single on Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Harry said: "We just wanted to make what we wanted to listen to and that has been the most fun part for me about making the whole album. In the least weird way possible, it's my favourite album to listen to at the moment… I hope we did a good job but I really like the album so I hope people like it."