Could Harry Styles' Recent Movie Problems Change Marvel's Eros Plans?

Pop star Harry Styles' film career hasn't taken shape like Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios had hoped following his MCU debut as Eros/Starfox in the post-credits scene of Eternals, and that may be a problem for his future in the franchise. Styles as Starfox was an exciting new character for the MCU and an opportunity to flesh out new elements of the franchise. During an interview at 2022's San Diego Comic-Con, Feige teased that Harry Styles's Eros would return as an important part of the "cosmic" side of the MCU. However, following back-to-back critically panned performances in 2022's Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman, the star is taking a break from acting.

Initially, casting Harry Styles as Eros seemed good for the MCU. The actor has been attached to several high-profile projects, including Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (which ultimately Styles turned down), and he appeared bound for crossover success similar to other singers-turned-actors like Lady Gaga. Unfortunately, Eternals was poorly received by critics, and Harry Styles' subsequent performances in Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman have been critically panned as well. The criticism and controversy around his acting career seem to have taken a toll on Styles. The star told Rolling Stone that he is choosing to focus on music instead of acting for now, leaving MCU fans questioning when Starfox could return.

How Bad Have Harry Styles' Movies Been?

Florence Pugh as Alice and Harry Styles as Jack in Don't Worry Darling

Since his cameo in Eternals, Harry Styles has starred in 2022's Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman. At the time of writing, both films are rotten on Rotten Tomatoes, sitting at 39% and 45% critics' scores respectively. Harry Styles' acting has been cited as a low point for both films; however, that is not entirely the actor's fault. Don't Worry Darling's controversies during production show that the issues with that movie go much deeper than Styles' acting. Even despite the controversy, Don't Worry Darling was positively received by fans with a 74% audience rating. My Policeman has seen an even better reception from audiences since its release, netting a 96% audience score.

Will Styles' Past Movies Define The MCU's Eros?

Harry Styles as Eros in the post-credits scene of Eternals

Assuming that Harry Styles does eventually return to acting after some time away, there is no reason that Don't Worry Darling or My Policeman should affect Eros/Starfox's MCU future. For now, there is no release date for an Eternals sequel as a second film was not announced as part of the MCU's Phase 5 plans. Only four movies have been announced for MCU Phase 6 as of writing, with release dates for those films stretching into Summer 2026. The controversies of Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman will be long forgotten by the time a potential return to the MCU would be on the table for Harry Styles.

Considering the importance of Starfox's origin and powers to the Eternals, the franchise is unlikely to move away from the character. Starfox's appearance in Eternals sets up a direct continuation of the franchise and, as previously mentioned, Kevin Feige has already stated that Starfox is important for the cosmic side of the MCU. Marvel's man in charge is unlikely to back away from such an important character, especially not based on the critical reception of unrelated projects. If Harry Styles chooses to return to the MCU as Eros/Starfox, his previous films will have no bearing on the character.

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