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13 famous actors who were nearly cast in major 'Harry Potter' roles
13 famous actors who were nearly cast in major 'Harry Potter' roles
Jacob SarkisianOct 11, 2020, 16:53 IST
Eddie Redmayne and Tim Roth are two actors who almost landed key roles in the "Harry Potter" movies.REUTERS/Danny Moloshok/Warner Bros. Pictures/Europa Press Entertainment/Europa Press via Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
The "Harry Potter" movie series is one of the biggest and best film franchises made, and features the cream of the British acting crop.
With each new film, more stellar British thespians were added to the roster of excellent actors — from Maggie Smith to Alan Rickman to Ralph Fiennes to Jim Broadbent.
However, it also meant that a lot of beloved British actors were considered for the role, or even auditioned, but things didn't quite work out.
Insider has listed 15 actors who came close to starring in the "Harry Potter" movies as key characters, including Ian McKellen and Peter O'Toole as Dumbledore alternatives.
Other potential Potter actors include Hugh Grant, who was offered the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, and Eddie Redmayne, who auditioned for the part of Tom Riddle.
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Ian McKellen was offered the role of Albus Dumbledore, but turned it down
Michael Gambon played Albus Dumbledore in six "Harry Potter" movies.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
Peter O'Toole was also considered to take over the role of Dumbledore, but had health issues
O'Toole played the titular character in "Lawrence of Arabia."
Robert Mora/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
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JK Rowling was offered the part of Lily Potter, but feared she would screw it up
Geraldine Somerville played Lily Potter.
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Warner Bros. Pictures
Tim Roth was offered Snape, but chose 'Planet of the Apes' instead
Alan Rickman played Severus Snape.
Europa Press Entertainment/Europa Press via Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
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Kate Winslet's agent said no to Helena Ravenclaw on her behalf
Kelly Macdonald played Helena Ravenclaw.
C Flanigan/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
Robin Williams was in the mix for Hagrid, and wanted to play him, but was rejected due to Rowling's British cast-only rule
Robbie Coltrane played Rubeus Hagrid.
Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
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Liam Aiken was a favorite for the role of Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe played Harry Potter.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
Tilda Swinton almost got the role of Professor Trelawney
Emma Thompson played Professor Trelawney.
Franco Origlia/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
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Hugh Grant accepted the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts
Kenneth Branagh played Gilderoy Lockhart.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images/Warner Bros. Pictures
Rosamund Pike reportedly regretted not taking the role Rita Skeeter
Miranda Richardson played Rita Skeeter.
Mike Marsland/WireImage/Warner Bros. Pictures
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Remus Lupin actor David Thewlis auditioned for the role of Professor Quirrell
Ian Hart played Professor Quirrell.
Warner Bros. Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures
Eddie Redmayne auditioned for the role of Tom Riddle
Christian Coulson played Tom Riddle.
REUTERS/Danny Moloshok/Warner Bros. Pictures
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Naomi Watts wanted to join the 'Harry Potter' cast as Narcissa Malfoy
Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy.
Toni Anne Barson/WireImage/Warner Bros. Pictures