9 Actors Who Nearly Played Key Characters In Harry Potter

Many variables must be considered when recruiting performers for a blockbuster film like Harry Potter. These decisions are often so well-executed that the audience develops deep feelings for the key characters in Harry Potter. Since the actor is so closely associated with their on-screen persona, it is difficult to separate the two. Can you picture Harry Potter or Hermione being portrayed by anyone other than Daniel Radcliffe or Emma Watson, respectively? Many of us may feel that these performers were "born" to portray these roles, but it's possible that the producers weren't always on board. This is unbelievable, yet it's the truth.
As a group, we may safely be described as Potter fans. To that end, we've compiled a list of some of the most interesting information we gleaned about the "wizarding world" and would want to share it with you. In addition, we'd like to extend an invitation to an alternate timeline in which other performers were cast as some of history's most renowned sorcerers. Check out the bonus content at the bottom of the page!

1. Ian McKellen As Albus Dumbledore

Source: Getty Images

After the untimely death of actor Richard Harris, who had played the role of Dumbledore in the films, the role of the legendary wizard was handed on to Sir Ian McKellen, famed for his remarkable performances in films like The Lord of the Rings and The Da Vinci Code as well as many theatrical plays. It was back in 2002 that this happened, but after weighing his options, McKellen ultimately opted to pass on the role.

2. Liam Aiken As Harry Potter

Source: Getty Images

Liam Aiken, star of the franchise A Series of Unfortunate Events, was slated to play Harry Potter in the Movies at one point. But then J.K. Rowling spoke out once more, and the tide turned. The script's author insisted that only British actors be used. As a result, Aiken was immediately eliminated from consideration, and 11-year-old British actor Daniel Radcliff was cast in the role that would ultimately define his career.

3. Robin Williams As Rubeus Hagrid

Source: Getty Images

J. K. Rowling was keen that the movie about the most renowned wizard not use American actors. Being British allowed her to exert undue pressure on the production staff in pursuit of their goals.
She prevailed in having an entirely British ensemble, which did lend a unique flavor to the films. Therefore, not only was Liam Aiken cut from the series but Robin Williams, who was supposed to play the legendary Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie Coltrane ultimately delivered a superb performance as this adored character. In the same vein as Coltrane, we do not doubt that Williams would have excelled in this role.

4. Helen McCrory As Bellatrix Lestrange

Source: Getty Images

Helen McCrory was supposed to play Bellatrix Lestrange, the great and terrifying witch. Since McCrory is of English descent, J.K. Rowling could have no objections about his serving as Hermione's protector. On the other hand, the Peaky Blinders star became pregnant just around the time production was set to begin on the next Harry Potter films. There's not much justification to stop playing a role as fantastic as that one.
Helena Bonham Carter succeeded McCrory in the role; hers is widely considered the best performance in the series. McCrory had not yet concluded her remarks on the subject. Thankfully, she reprised her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the final three films.

5. Henry Cavill As Cedric Diggory

Source: Getty Images

Things weren't looking good for Cavill before he became Superman, who won the hearts of legions of people worldwide. Robert Pattinson stole two jobs from Cavill. Public awareness of the first one may be low. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, he auditioned for Cedric Diggory. He lost Pattinson's second role. The Twilight saga's protagonist, Edward Cullen, was almost played by Cavill.

6. Hatty Jones As Hermione Granger

Source: Getty Images

Hatty Jones, the star of Madeline, and Emma Watson, an unknown actress, were both equally suited to play Hermione Granger. Casting director Janet Hirshenson's impressions of Emma influenced the decision. Hirshernson believed the young woman would add a crucial "dull" element to the plot. Given Watson's skills and empathy, she did the correct thing.

7. Eddie Redmayne As Another version of Tom Riddle

Source: Getty Images

Jamie Campbell Bower wasn't the only actor interested in playing Tom Riddle, the juvenile Lord Voldemort. Eddie Redmayne, like Campbell Bower, was cast as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise.

8. Tilda Swinton As Sybill Trelawney

Source: Getty Images

“I think this is a very cruel environment that children have to grow up in, and I don’t think it’s beneficial to their education.” We’re not entirely sure if Swinton was right or not to reject the role, but we can all agree that Emma Thompson was as perfect for the role as Swinton would have been, would she had decided to jump on board.

9. Thomas Brodie-Sangster As Ron Weasley

Source: Getty Images

Thomas Brodie-Sangster has stated his desire to play Ron Weasley in a film. And he tried, only to lose out to Rupert Grint, the little redhead who is now a household name among the saga's legion of followers. This first "difficult" experience of rejection in the Entertainment industry "enabled him to keep a more 'optimistic' mindset during the audition rounds for future parts," the Nanny McPhee actor stated despite failing the exam. Every gloomy situation, as the jadage goes, has a bright side.