What if some iconic actors in the Harry Potter franchise had given to other actors? It almost happened with some unexpected roles. Harry Potter fans can't imagine A-list actors such as Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, or Kate Winslet appearing in the movie series as first choices. We never know whether the movies would become more successful or not. But if it had happened, the result would have been undoubtedly mind-blowing.
Today, we've listed 10 actors who are about to star in the "Harry Potter" movie as the main characters, including Ian McKellen and Peter O'Toole as Dumbledore's alternatives. Other potential Potter actors include Hugh Grant, who was offered the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, and Eddie Redmayne, who auditioned for the role of Tom Riddle.
#1 Hugh Grant Had Prior Film Commitments And Turned Down The Gilderoy Lockhart Role
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Hugh Grant first drew attention for his role in the 1994 movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although the actor became more famous for his portrayal in Bridget Jones's Diary and Love Actually, he was only offered the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, who first appeared in the second film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Eventually, he refused to participate in the movie because of scheduling conflicts with the rom-com Two Weeks Notice alongside Sandra Bullock, and Kenneth Branagh snagged the iconic role instead.
#2 Ian McKellen Couldn't Replace An Actor Who Didn't Approve Of Him
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One of the most famous potential castings was Ian McKellen as Dumbledore. Richard Harris portrayed the Hogwarts headmaster in the first 2 movies but unfortunately passed away before Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. McKellen was offered the role because of Harris' death.
McKellen had known for playing Gandalf, another famous wizard in the Lord of the Rings franchise, so that involvement seemed amazing. Still, the famous actor turned down the offer because he couldn't replace an actor who didn't approve of him. As a result, the role was given to Michael Gambon.
#3 Rowan Atkinson Was Too Comedic To Play Voldemort
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Rowan Atkinson is best known for portraying the titular role in the 1990s British sitcom Mr. Bean. Surprisingly enough, the comedic actor was among the front-runners for the role of Voldermort. It was believed that he had received the role. Luckily, Ralph Fiennes was cast as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and nailed it. Without a doubt, Harry Potters fans could never imagine Atkinson in an evil role like that way.
#4 Robin Williams Was Rejected For Two Roles
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The late Roin Willians was a comedic legend who is best known for his voice-acting role as the Genie in Disney's Alain and various 1980s and 1990s movies, such as Jumanji. Many years after the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 and Williams' death, casting director Janet Hirshenson disclosed he almost wanted to be in the movie as either Hagrid or Lupin. Still, William was eliminated because of the British-only rule for the movie series. The role was finally given to Robbie Coltrane.
#5 It Was Rumored Naomi Watts Was Cast As Narcissa Malfoy
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Naomi Watts rose to stardom for her Oscar-nominated lead role in the 2022 horror flick The Ring, which brought her many more productions. The actress delivered a brilliant performance as Rose Mary Walls in the movie adaption of The Glass Castle. It was even said that Watts was invited to portray Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Ultimately, Helen McCrory appeared in the Harry Potters series as Draco's mother and reprised her role in the remaining three films.
#6 Eddie Redmayne Could Have Joined the Franchise Much Earlier
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Eddie Redmayne nearly had an earlier role in the Harry Potter franchise, before his lead role as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts movie series. The future
Les Misérables star auditioned for the role of Tom Riddle, but he failed. Riddle was a Slytherin half-blood wizard who later turned into the sinister Lord Voldermort. In an interview with Empire, Redmayne failed to get a callback, and Christopher Coulson joined the production instead. The actor was also too old to appear in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
#7 Kate Winslet Was Too Big Of A Name For Helena Ravenclaw
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Kate Winslet was globally known for her lead role in James Cameron's 1997 movie Titanic alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Winslet and DiCaprio started a close friendship after starring in the movie and later co-starred again in the 2008 film Revolutionary Road. Winslet won Best Actress that year for The Reader. The actress was one of the prospective ones for Helena Ravenclaw, Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter, but her agent allegedly believed the part was too small for her, and the role was given to Kelly Macdonald in Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
#8 Rosamund Pike Was The First Choice For Rita Skeeter
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Rosamund Pike rose to stardom with her portrayal as Bond Gild Miranda Frost in the 2002 movie Die Another Day. Another one of her acclaimed performances happened in the 2014 psychological thriller Gone Girl, which brought her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
#9 Saoirse Ronan Was Too Young To Play Luna Lovegood
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Saoirse Roman gained recognition as a child star for her Oscar-nomination role in the 2007 film Atonement at just 13 years old. The future Litter Women star was a huge Harry Potter fan at the time of her audition for Luna Lovegood. Roman lost the part to another Irish actress, Evanna Lynch, three years her senior. Ronan admitted to a gossip blog in 2011 that while she was disappointed about her rejection, she was too young to have the role. Thankfully, she got famous in other productions.
#10 Tilda Swinton Doesn't Enjoy Films Like Harry Potter
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One of Tilda Swinton's most recognized roles appeared in The Chronicles of Narnia series as the White Witch. She also joined the
Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Ancient One, beginning with the 2016 film Doctor Strange. Swinton was one of the contenders for Professor Trelawney, the kooky Professor of Divination. She said in an interview with Scots Magainze that she disliked films like Harry Potter, and this could be why she turned the role down. Emma Thompson took on the role instead, but Swinton would have nailed it for the role.