Charlie Heaton Isn’t Bothered by Harry Styles Comparisons: “I Get It”

Charlie Heaton has no problem being compared to Harry Styles—in fact, he finds it amusing.

Speaking at the season 4 premiere of HBO’s Industry on Jan. 8, the 31-year-old actor reacted lightly to fans who often point out his resemblance to the pop star. “We’re both from the north of England, we’re about the same age,” Heaton said. “There are some similarities. Yeah, I get it.” He added that although they’ve never met, he hopes to say hello someday.

In the new season of Industry, Heaton steps into the role of Jim Dycker, a finance journalist—a sharp turn from his long-running portrayal of Jonathan Byers on Netflix’s Stranger Things. After wrapping the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, Heaton said he was eager to take on a distinctly British project that pushed him outside his comfort zone.

“It’s just so different from what I’ve done before, and I think that’s what attracted me,” he explained. “I was scared to do it. I didn’t think I could do it, so it was cool to dive into it.” Joining an already established ensemble was also a change of pace, but one he embraced. “Everyone was really nice, really welcoming,” he said.

This isn’t the first time Heaton has addressed the Styles comparisons. Back in 2022, during an interview with Hits Radio, he was asked whether he’d be up for a “Parent Trap situation” involving the former One Direction star. “A day in the life of Harry Styles, sure, why not?” he joked. “Could you make it happen?”

As for closing the chapter on Stranger Things, Heaton described his final day on set as unforgettable. “It was just real honesty,” he said. “I love the people I’m working with and I’m sad to say goodbye to you. It was a really special experience.”

After a busy year of work, Heaton is now hoping for a brief pause. “Hopefully a little break” is on the agenda for 2026, he said.

New episodes of Industry air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Source: People