How to Properly Mourn the Loss of Harry Styles as Prince Eric

We’ve all been not-so-patiently waiting to see Harry Styles’ handsome face on the big screen again since his Hollywood debut in Dunkirk, the historical drama directed by Christopher Nolan. To be fair, it would’ve been a dramatic and drastic jump from Nolan to Disney if Harry had accepted the offer as Prince Eric in the new live-action The Little Mermaid, but that didn’t make the loss any easier. We all were excited for him to take on a different tone of film and see him wear the heck out of those classic puffy white shirts that Prince Eric is known for. 

When the rumors first started circulating on Twitter that Harry had auditioned for the role of Prince Eric and was being considered, everyone lost their entire minds (myself included). Supposedly he was being considered against a few other options including Noah Centineo, of the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good Netflix heart throb, but the choice was clear. 

In the end, his talent and undeniable charm won him the role. Disney offered him a deal, but for some reason or another, he chose to decline. So in honor of you all who have gone through this rollercoaster of emotions, here’s a little survival guide to mourning the loss of Harry Styles as Prince Eric.

Fill the void in your heart with other Harry content like “This Is Us” (the beautifully cinematic One Direction documentary).

The only way to deal with the loss of amazing Harry content is to fill your heart with other available Harry content. You get to literally see Harry Styles in his coziest and fluffiest state. It’s a literal dream.

Trust that he made the right decision for himself and that he received words of wisdom from the important people in his life (aka Anne). 

To be fair, moms of Disney film-goers might’ve had something to say that this fandom would not have put up with. To be fair, he’s unique and provactive. He’s known as a sex icon and he’s got a bunch of tattoos. All the reasons his fans love him are all the reasons moms of young children would go all Karen-meme. As difficult as it is to admit, this is probably for the best. 

Do not think about how perfect this scene of Harry and a dog dancing together would’ve been. 

Don’t picture this: Harry Styles risking his life to save a cute dog. It’s just too much to bear the thought that this could’ve happened right in front of our eyes, and yet..

In a very Harry-esque polite and charming way, ignore the haters who laugh at you for ever believing something that wonderful could ever exist in this cruel world. 

When it comes to Harry, you never quite know what you’re going to get. He keeps us on our toes. He always seems to announce the craziest stuff while we are at work or in class! What is up with that? We all believed this was true or at least really REALLY hoped it was. Now we know not to trust any news until it comes straight from the dimpled-boy himself. 

 Eagerly await “HS2” and the music videos that will come with it. 

Harry has been seen all over Europe in brightly colored high-waisted pants and glittery shirts filming who knows what. Now that is something to get excited about. His new article with The Rolling Stone reveals a lot about where and how he recorded the new album. Additionally, you get to hear a little bit about what goes on in that handsome head that inspired the soulful lyrics and danceable music we are soon to receive.  

Spend your extra time tweeting each member of One Direction to get the band back together and go on a reunion tour. 

All we want is to hear If I Could Fly live. Is that really too much to ask? Remember, it’s a hiatus. 

Don’t—I repeat—do not think about the fact that you would’ve seen a wedding scene with Harry Styles at the end of the aisle. It’s just too painful. 

Ariel is one of few Disney Princesses whose wedding takes place on-screen. Every fanfic we’ve ever written on Wattpad or thought out in our head would’ve been on the big screen, but you know, sometimes things are just too good to be true.

Don’t even begin to allow yourself to wonder what that soundtrack would’ve sounded like (like the Moana soundtrack, but with Harry).

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genuis at everything he does. He has created brilliant music for many different Disney movies and they keep inviting him back. When he tweeted that he was in the midst of composing the music for Disney’s live-action of The Little Mermaid, people went crazy. The collaboration between Lin-Manuel and Harry Styles would’ve been too much for this world.

Go buy his cover of The Rolling Stone that is available in stores now!

As someone who thought they knew everything there was to know about Harry Styles (or at least all he was going to tell us), I learned a lot about him. He is thoughtful, intentionally kind to everyone and apparently he’s a reader too! That’s something to swoon over! His hobbies, mannerisms, cute quotes and vulnerabilities shine through more than he usually allows to the press, which was a fun insider look. He’s a mess, but he’s our mess and we couldn’t be more proud. The empowering way he speaks of his younger female audience is everything people need to hear. Tweens, teens and young women run the entertainment industry, yet their preferences for music, movies, books, etc. are usually written off because no one values that demographic’s opinion. He also represents One Direction well by looking back on the memories of the band fondly, rather than trying to separate himself from those days like many ex-band members do. Ugh, I just love this dude. 

If all else fails, go pour yourself a bowl of cereal and have a good cry. We deserve it.

This is definitely a healthy way to cope. If you’re in Athens, Hodgeson’s Pharmacy sells ice cream scoops for a dollar. You’re welcome. 

Prince Eric, you will be deeply missed.

• harry styles
• music
• Rolling Stone
• The Little Mermaid