Who plays Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid?

Disney's The Little Mermaid is all set to premiere on the big screen on May 26, 2023, and fans can't wait to see their favorite characters finally come to life in the live-action remake. The film has a star-studded cast and is helmed by Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role of Ariel in the movie.

Despite the incredibly talented cast, a certain Jonah Hauer-King, who plays King Eric in the film, has managed to make headlines these past months, owing to the exceptional performance the star has delivered in the film's previews. The actor has been subject to much appreciation for his accurate representation of Prince Eric from the original Disney animated film and his ability to flawlessly delve into character.

Prince Eric is the young and dashing prince of a seaside kingdom with a passion for sailing, and during one of his voyages, he is rescued by Ariel (Halle Bailey) after nearly drowning during a storm. Grateful for her heroism and enchanted by her beautiful voice, Eric immediately falls in love with Ariel and becomes determined to find and marry her. The lead pair's dynamic in the film's reviews has been lauded by audiences, and it is sure to be the highlight of the film.

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The Little Mermaid's Jonah Hauer-King has been featured in a host of acclaimed projects

Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid (Image via IMDb)

Jonah Andre Hauer-King is an English actor who grew up in London with two older sisters, raised by Debra Hauer, an American theater producer, and Jeremy King, a British restauranteur. Hauer-King was interested in acting from a very young age and often used to take trips to the local theaters with his mother. In an interview with The Evening Standard, he explained that performing became a part of his life and quoted that his work in restaurants was also a form of acting. He commented:

"It's great for people watching and performance because you're reacting to a table: if they're up for a good night, you're helping them along on that energy, if they're in a foul mood you're trying to take the sting out of that."

The actor went on to graduate from the esteemed Cambridge University with a degree in theology and religious studies while juggling acting roles on stage and screen. However, it wasn't until a school performance at the Edinburgh Fringe that Hauer-King found his calling, and his now-agent spotted him.

The actor went on to play many memorable roles in numerous television shows and films, including Howards End, Little Women, and World on Fire, and in the films The Last Photograph,A Dog's Way Home, World on Fire, and Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar, working alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Ashley Judd, and Helen Hunt, among many others.

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More about the Little Mermaid cast

The cast of The Little Mermaid (Image via IMDb)

Apart from Jonah Hauer-King, The Little Mermaid is also home to the incredibly talented Halle Bailey, who'll be playing the titular role of the fictional character Ariel. The actress has also been in the headlines for the past few months as her casting in the film marks a historic event in Disney's history, for it'll be the second time a black actor has been crowned a Disney princess, previously done by Anika Noni Rose as the voice of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog.

Haile Bailey has been very vocal about how grateful she is to be getting this opportunity, and fans all around the world can't wait to see the actress bring to life the beloved character. The actress has also stated in numerous interviews that, through her role, she wishes to inspire young girls and stress the importance of inclusivity in the industry.

The Little Mermaid cast also includes Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.

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The Little Mermaid releases in theaters on May 26, 2023.