Harry Styles definitely brings the pop to the cinema! Styles is absolutely weaving his way through the film industry, and we are beyond excited. When we think about Styles, his music is the first thing that comes to mind. However, just when we think that the man has done it all, he continues to surprise and thrill his fans through not just his music, but now in his presence on the movie screen. Styles made his acting debut in the 2017 Christopher Nolan war drama Dunkirk. Since then, he is anticipating two upcoming movie releases in 2022. The first is Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling alongside Florence Pugh, Gemma Chan, and Chris Pine. The second is the LGBTQ+ period romance My Policeman.

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It does not stop there. The Marvel Cinematic Universe debuted Styles in 2021 as the charismatic brother of Thanos, Eros/Starfox in Eternals. The brief introduction of this character happened in an infamous post-credit scene, and we have been waiting with burning anticipation for any revelations on his role in the MCU’s future. However, how did Styles get caught up in the superhero powerhouse that is Marvel? Well, we have some answers. Here is our explanation as to how Styles was cast as Eros and what that could possibly reveal about the brand-new character.

Time to Act

     Marvel Studios / Disney

Styles is one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry today. He is known predominately for being one of the biggest pop/rock stars in the world. His music career, which built a very solid bridge into his opportunities as an actor, began when he was just 16 years old. Indeed, Styles began is career as a member of the boyband One Direction in 2010. Styles became a household name in the music industry and when the band took a “hiatus” in 2015, per USA Today, Styles had the time to take on more opportunities outside of music — and that includes acting. In the midst of also beginning and working on his first solo album after the band decided to take a break, Styles also began dipping his feet into his debut as an actor.

A Memorable Acting Debut

     Warner Bros. Productions

Styles definitely did not disappoint in his acting debut. Styles’ first project happened to be under a big-name director, which, in turn, contributed greatly to putting his name on the map of the film industry. Styles played Alex, a British soldier in the 2017 war drama Dunkirk directed by Christopher Nolan. The film chronicles the extraordinary true story of civilian heroics and their role in rescuing Allied troops off the coast of Dunkirk in 1940. His solid performance in an Academy Award-winning film had fans of his music reeling, and with this showcase of his acting ability, the movie industry in general began to take him seriously as an actor. Well, in terms of his future with Marvel, it definitely worked.

The Brand

     Columbia

The possibility of Eros being introduced into the MCU was talked about among fans because of his presence in the comics. However, the question of “who” in making this role come to life remained up in the air. Well, examining the persona of Starfox in the source material, Styles remained a bold yet fitting choice to play Thanos’ brother. His brand as a musician and his public persona that audiences see and fans fall in love with fit eerily perfect into the image of Eros/Starfox in the comics. The charisma, charm, and completely stark contrast to Thanos mirrors Styles as a person, and although his acting credentials are not extensive, he remains a surprisingly solid choice for the role.

Chloé Zhao’s First and Only Choice

Building a prominent character in the MCU today is a tall order. Audiences have spent years developing relationships with the characters we see on screen, so whenever a new one is introduced, it may be hard to win them over. Well, Zhao had a vision, and she ran with it. Zhao claims that she definitely wanted Eros to be introduced in Eternals, and after she set her eyes on Styles for the role, she gave Kevin Feige a kind of ultimatum in which it was going to have to be Styles or no one, stating that, “Harry as Eros was very much a package deal for me” in an interview with Deadline. Zhao also mentions that she had been keeping an eye on Styles since his work on Dunkirk because she watches who Christopher Nolan casts. So, you could say that Styles’s limited his acting credentials worked out in his favor. Fortunately enough for all of us fans, Styles said yes, and the rest is history. We are very excited to see what the MCU has in store for this new and exciting Eternals cast member as well as seeing more of Styles on the big screen.