'Dunkirk' Director Christopher Nolan 'Wasn't Aware Of Harry Styles' Fame' Before Casting Him

So no, that wasn't him you saw in the audience on the 'Up All Night' tour.

Film director and apparent under-stone-dweller Christopher Nolan has admitted he was in the dark about Harry Styles’ star power prior to casting him in ‘Dunkirk’.

The chart-topping singer is about to make his big screen acting debut in the upcoming war epic, but despite having one of the most recognisable faces (and, indeed, hairstyles) in showbiz, director Christopher Nolan has insisted he won the part on his acting chops, rather than his ability to sell cinema tickets.

Some kid we've never heard of
Some kid we've never heard of
CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Christopher explained: I don’t think I was that aware really of how famous Harry was.”

Really, though? All those One Direction albums? The magazine covers and TV appearances and, indeed, the high-grossing Morgan Spurlock documentary? All that passed you by?

Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan
Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images

While this marks his first time acting in a big screen effort, he did previously play himself in an episode of Nickelodeon’s ‘iCarly’, which we’re sure was all the preparation he needed for his latest role.

Harry joins some impressive heavyweights from the acting world in ‘Dunkirk’, including Sir Kenneth Branagh, Sir Mark Rylance and frequent Christopher Nolan collaborator Tom Hardy.

Harry Styles in the 'Dunkirk' trailer
Harry Styles in the 'Dunkirk' trailer
Warner Bros

It’s been a particularly exciting year for the former 1D singer, who also topped both the album and singles chart here in the UK, with his debut solo efforts.

‘Dunkirk’ hits UK cinemas in 21 July. Watch the trailer below:

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