Superhero movies just got a little more super.
Harry Styles has reportedly been inducted into the Marvel Comics Universe’s big tent of acting talent, according to a major casting bombshell cropped on a hot red carpet Monday night.
“Big reveal from #TheEternals premiere — Harry Styles has joined the MCU as Eros, brother of Thanos,” tweeted Variety’s Matt Donnelly on Tuesday morning. Big bro Thanos has been played by Josh Brolin in “Avengers” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” films.
Styles’ rumored casting in “future Marvel films” comes ahead of Nov. 5 premiere of “Eternals” in the US. Directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”), that MCU film features Marvel’s typically star-studded roster, including Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden and Kit Harington.
Spoiler alert! Some unconfirmed reports suggest that Styles debuts as Eros in a surprise post-credit scene of “Eternals,” but his swoon-worthy appearance at some point during Monday night’s screening was confirmed by Variety editor Marc Malkin, who said the “audience squealed” when Styles showed up.
Eros, of course, was more than likely inspired by the namesake Greek god of love and sex (the counterpart to Roman god Cupid). It’s also worth noting that the word “eros” serves as the etymological root for terms, such as “erotic,” which aptly describes the sexed-up “Watermelon Sugar” singer.
Reps for Styles have not yet responded to requests for comment — but fans seem to agree that Olivia Wilde’s main squeeze is right for the role.
As one MCU fan explained, “Eros is the brother of Thanos but is the complete opposite, he’s nice, carings and can physically can [sic] peoples emotions. Basically Harry is play[ing] Harry,” they tweeted.
This would mark the 27-year-old entertainer’s fourth feature film role, beginning with a largely non-speaking role in 2017’s “Dunkirk.” He’s since leapt from the background into starring roles in two upcoming films.
The upcoming “Don’t Worry Darling,” also starring Florence Pugh, has already risen to Hollywood infamy as the set where Styles and director Olivia Wilde apparently first kindled a romantic spark.
His third project to date, “My Policeman,” with an as-yet scheduled release date, also promises a graphic sex scene between Styles and co-star David Dawson, designed to look “as real as possible,” according to one production insider. It also stars Emma Corrin.
Meanwhile, the “Treat People With Kindness” crooner is still knocking out dates for “Love On Tour,” which wraps next month for his final stop in Los Angeles.
