Stars of Second World War epic Dunkirk have praised Harry Styles’ acting debut, calling him “delightful”.

Sir Mark Rylance told the Press Association Styles “almost definitely” had a future in acting.

The Oscar-winning actor said: “I like the way he’s entered film in an ensemble piece not as a lead player as Elvis did or Eminem did but he’s come in as an ensemble player.

Mark Rylance
Sir Mark Rylance praised Harry Styles (Ian West/PA)

“And he’s come in at a very deep end.

“He has to be in the water a lot he has to do a lot of difficult things as the young actors have to do.”

Sir Kenneth Branagh
Sir Kenneth Branagh said Styles brought a ‘freshness’ (Ian West/PA)

Sir Kenneth Branagh said Styles’ inexperience brought a “freshness” to the film while James D’Arcy described the musician as a “delightful guy”.

He added: “We met each other hanging around the set … he seemingly is really taking it in his stride – this extreme level of fame that he has encountered.”