Christopher Nolan Unaware Of How Famous Harry Styles Was Before ‘Dunkirk’ Movie

Despite Harry Styles being the famous celebrity that he is, it looks like there’s someone who wasn’t aware of that. Director Christopher Nolan admits to not knowing how famous Harry Styles was when he was chosen for the film “Dunkirk.”

Chosen For The Role, Not The Fame

Being a former member of British boy band “One Direction”, Harry Styles definitely left a mark as a celebrity. He has fangirls from his boy band days, and new ones after going solo. But this time it looks like Harry Styles will be known for more aside from being in the music industry. The singer has a part in the upcoming film “Dunkirk”, where he plays as a British soldier.

Cillian Murphy, Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles, and Fionn Whitehead in Dunkirk (2017). Photo via Warner Bros. Pictures

Naturally, Styles being chosen for the film was questioned by some. The arguments compose of what would a former band member be doing in a suspense thriller like “Dunkirk”? Others assume it was because of Style’s fame that he was cast. As writer and director of the movie, Christopher Nolan has a surprising reply.

In truth, Nolan wasn’t fully aware of how famous Styles was at the moment of casting. In an interview with Sunday World, the director expresses his sentiments on the issue. “I don’t think I was that aware of how famous Harry was.” he starts. “I mean my daughter talked about him. My kids talked about him, but I wasn’t really aware of it.”

Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles, and Fionn Whitehead in Dunkirk (2017) Photo via Warner Bros.

He then adds that Styles earns the role himself. “So the truth is, I cast Harry because he fit the part wonderfully and truly earned a seat at the table, ” Nolan explains. The fame issue dies down, plus, it supports that Styles not only has musical talent but also a talent for acting.

The Power Of Fangirls

Along the lines of what Nolan says, fellow co-star Mark Rylance who plays Dawcett in the movie has something similar. Rylance also finds out about Styles from one of Styles’ fangirls, his niece. In the same interview, Rylance says “”She was just more excited than anything I’ve ever done because I was going to be acting with Harry Styles. I went up in her estimation. I won the Harry!”

Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles, and Fionn Whitehead in Dunkirk (2017) Photo via Warner Bros. Pictures

It won’t be surprising to see the theater packed with people wanting to see Styles on the big screen. But that’s still good news for the film “Dunkirk.” The movie is set to premiere on the 21st of July with select theaters playing at 70mm.