Harry Styles: One Direction singer is 'remarkable' says Dunkirk co-star Mark Rylance

Harry Styles has a lot to prove with his acting debut in WWII movie Dunkirk but one of his co-stars is confident in his abilities. The BFG actor Mark Rylance has heaped praise on the One Direction singer, whom he describes as "remarkable" and naturally adept at acting.

With boy band 1D on a long break, Styles, 22, is making the transition to Hollywood with his first role in Christopher Nolan's historic drama. Shedding light on the pop star's experience in front of the camera, Rylance told the Evening Standard: "No, he doesn't need tips. He is shaping up."

The Oscar-winning actor continued: "I didn't know anything about him really other than my 12-year-old niece played me a music video. She adores him. There are girls all over the place trying to get to him – he is one handsome fella with an incredible smile and eyes."

"What's really surprised me is he's really witty, really funny – he really makes me laugh. He's been ever so brave, not making any fuss. He seems remarkable... one of those people [who has] – Sean Penn has it too – a kind of panache. I look at them and think, 'How did you get that? How do you get so that life is easy?' But he has got a lovely, lovely character. It's a gift."

Perhaps even more of a compliment is Styles receiving a thumbs up from director Nolan. A source claims that although the filmmaker believed the singer was the right fit for the role, he has been bowled over by his acting chops. The insider revealed to The Mirror: "Chris already had great faith in Harry's acting abilities and that's why he gave him a role in the first place, but he's surprised everyone with how natural a performer he is. He really commits to the part."

Styles proved his dedication to the film role by cutting off his famous long hair and donating the locks to charity. However, his bandmate Niall Horan admitted the singer found it difficult going for the chop on his beloved mane, telling The Sun: "I wouldn't say he was too happy about it, but it is what it is − he's in a movie now."

The What Makes You Beautiful singer plays a soldier in Dunkirk, which also stars Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy and Kenneth Branagh. The film has a release date set for 21 July 2017.