Harry Styles has been tipped for a successful career in Hollywood.

John Papsidera said: "Harry was absolutely right for the role. As an actor he is unknown, but his readings made him an obvious choice. We thought he was fresh and interesting and he won the role."

He also rubbished the suggestion Harry was cast simply because of his status.

John told the Sunday People newspaper: "It wasn't because he's a well-known pop star - if anything that was more of a detriment, because it could bring the wrong message and we don't want people pulled out of the film because of who they are.

"Our aim was to have people who are fresh and don't bring a lot of prior work with them, so the audience will be really immersed in the film and not struggling with recognisable famous personalities.

"So Harry really had to overcome hurdles to get past that. He fought hard for it and his work was impressive and that's what attracted us to him.

"I don't think he studied acting professionally and yet he won the role against some very well known actors."

Specific details of Harry's role have been kept under wraps, but John revealed he was made to work hard to secure the part.

He said: "This is a young man who passionately wanted this film and we looked at a lot of actors, certainly in the hundreds, some of them very well-known and many who had been to prestigious acting schools.

"It's a great achievement for Harry that he won it, a great feather in his cap and we're very excited having him in the film. I hope for him that he goes on to bigger things in Hollywood, he's a lovely guy."