Christopher Nolan compares casting One Direction’s Harry Styles to Heath Ledger

One of the greatest movie performances of all time is Heath Ledger's portrayal of Batman's greatest foe, The Joker, in Christopher Nolan's second Batman film, The Dark Knight. Ledger got lost in the role and captured this horrifying, insane character in such a way it scored him an Oscar after he had passed away. His performance was frightening, intense, and at times, a bit comical. Before he showed up on screen, many questioned why Nolan would cast the heartthrob from 10 Things I Hate About You.

Similarly, Nolan cast another big teen heartthrob with the former One Direction band member, Harry Styles, in the upcoming suspenseful World War II drama, Dunkirk. The singer had never acted on-screen prior to Dunkirk and it came as quite the surprise that someone like him would get the role, in the eyes of many it would be like if Justin Bieber starred in David Fincher's next R-rated thriller.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nolan compared casting Styles to when he cast Ledger for The Dark Knight and why he ended up going with Styles.

"As a director, I have to trust my instincts and my ability to figure out whose the right guy for the part. I was new to Harry, I had heard his name from my kids but I wasn't very familiar with him. What I was seeing from him was a very charismatic guy who clearly had truthfulness, subtlty in his ability to perform as a film actor. When I cast Heath Ledger as The Joker, it raised a lot of eyebrows and caused a lot of comments, I have to trust my instincts and Harry was perfect for this part, I think he pulled it off with incredible grace and reality."

Nolan noted that their set was very secretive as per usual to avoid prying eyes (A.K.A. rabid teenage girls) who may want to catch a glimpse of Styles on set. He also added that Harry didn't allow his fame or ego to get to his head on set.

"Harry was very commited and determined to just being one of the guys, coming there and learning what he could from the more experienced people around him."

In related news, Christopher Nolan also confirmed that The Dark Knight trilogy is getting a 4K remaster.

Dunkirk hits theaters on July 21st, 2017.