'Looks like him, right?' Harry Styles' fans go wild as first promotional poster for World War II epic Dunkirk reveals character with back to camera

By Jason Chester for MailOnline

Published: 11:55 EST, 13 December 2016 | Updated: 13:40 EST, 13 December 2016

An initial teaser gave fans a brief taste of what to expect from director Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming release back in August.

But a first official promotional poster for World War II drama Dunkirk has prompted feverish speculation about one of its more recognisable ensemble cast-members.

Embracing a theme common in many of Nolan’s promotional missives, the poster focuses on a moodily lit character with his back to camera while staring out at something – this time the fiery chaos that followed the defence and evacuation of British and Allied troops from mainland Europe.

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Is that Harry Styles? A first official promotional poster for Christopher Nolan's World War II drama Dunkirk has prompted feverish speculation about one of its more recognisable ensemble cast-members

With helmet in hand and gun on shoulder, the unnamed protagonist, dressed in period British army trench coat and fatigues, is seen gazing out at the stormy coastline and the distant, smouldering silhouette of a sinking vessel. 

However the character's dark brown head of hair has led fans to the conclusion that it is One Direction star Harry Styles - who makes his acting debut in the forthcoming blockbuster. 

Taking to social media on Tuesday afternoon, many speculated that the 22-year old may well be taking centre stage in the poster - despite only taking a peripheral role in the film.  

Speculation: Taking to social media on Tuesday afternoon, many speculated that Harry Styles may well be taking centre stage in the poster - despite only taking a peripheral role in the film

Cutting his teeth: Harry makes his acting debut in the forthcoming blockbuster

Definitely him: One emphatic One Direction fan wrote 'That's gotta be Harry'

'Looks like him, right?' commented one, while another echoed the reaction of many by tweeting: 'Is that Harry?'

Seemingly convinced she was looking at the back of Harry's head, a third raved: 'soooo proud of my BABE.' 

Another emphatic One Direction fan agreed, writing: 'That's gotta be Harry.'  

Recurring theme: Another echoed the reaction of many by tweeting 'Is it Harry?'

Coming soon: The World War II epic will hit cinemas in July 2017 

That's my boy: Fans were convinced they were looking at the tousle haired One Direction star

Nolan's latest film, a realisation of the history defining battle against Nazi Germany that took place on the French coast in 1940, also features performances from celebrated British stars Kenneth Branagh, James D'Arcy, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy. 

And a rather more dubious faction of fans were quick to point out that Harry's role is greatly reduced by comparison - making his appearance in such a prominent piece of promotional material unlikely. 

'I mean looks like him but I doubt that he's the main protagonist of the movie,' commented one.  

Not sure: And a rather more dubious faction of fans were quick to point out that Harry's role is greatly reduced

Grim: The battle's devastating losses are referenced in a new trailer 

Another noted: 'Guys, just bc harrys in the move doesnt mean the movie revolves around him. im PRETTY sure thats someone else.' (sic)

Harry cut his tousles long hair short to play the role of a battle weary soldier in the new film. 

Dunkirk will be released in IMAX theatres across the United Kingdom from July 21.

Gripping: Anotheer still from the film's latest trailer finds a soldier with his back to camera while standing on the Dunkirk shoreline 

Get a grip: One fan commented that his appearance in such a prominent piece of promotional material unlikely

 

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