Christopher Nolan Compares Casting Harry Styles in “Dunkirk” to Heath Ledger's Joker

The world premiere of the long-awaited war film “Dunkirk” occurred on July 13, with a North American premiere of July 21, generating high praise amongst film critics, with the film has been hailed as a masterpiece and possibly “the greatest war film ever”. Notable big-name actors Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, and Cillian Murphy graced the big screen production alongside relative newcomers, such as Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Jack Lowden.

However, one young man may have stood out amongst the chaos onscreen for a different reason. A solider named Alex was portrayed by none other than English singer-songwriter Harry Styles, best known as a member of popular boy band One Direction.

Director Christopher Nolan, who also directed “The Dark Knight Trilogy”, has been known for his odd but praiseworthy casting choices, including that of the controversial but later acclaimed casting of former teen heartthrob Heath Ledger as the Joker in “The Dark Knight”, and that of comedian Robin Williams as serial killer Walter Finch in “Insomnia”. Thus, it would be no surprise he would choose someone like Styles for a role like this.

Nolan, in an interview with the Business Insider, stated Styles auditioned in the same manner as the hundreds of other young men who had for the role of Alex, having sent in a tape of his audition and participated in numerous other auditions before finally landing the role. Nolan and the film’s casting director both agree Styles’ audition was extremely good, though Nolan admitted he was unaware of Styles’ level of fame from his time in One Direction.

Despite the heavy topic of the film and the gruelling role Styles was faced with playing, it seems Nolan’s confidence in his choice was well-founded. However, audiences will have to decide for themselves if the former teen idol turned solo artist has his own acting chops for the big screen.