That sound you hear the breaking of a hundred million former Directioner’s hearts.

The Wrap is reporting actor/singer/Gucci spokesman Harry Styles has “respectfully” turned down an offer to play the role of the hunky Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. 

Styles would have starred opposite actress and singer Halle Bailey, who is playing Ariel. Best known as a member of the British boy band One Direction, Styles made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” and recently screen-tested for the role of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming untitled biopic about the legendary singer. The part went to Austin Butler.

“The Little Mermaid” live-action remake will feature the 1989 animated classic’s original songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as new songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda.

And while the news is certainly upsetting, I suppose this now makes room for Shawn Mendes or Jimin from BTS to snatch the role of a lifetime.

I mean: CAN YOU IMAGINE JIMIN?

(Photo of Harry: MediaPunch)