The Harry Potter Cast: Roles They Almost Lost and the Surprising Alternatives
More than 20 years after the first Harry Potter movie premiered, the main cast has become iconic, with their faces, costumes, and voices deeply ingrained in the audience’s memory. It’s easy to believe these actors were always destined for their roles, but in reality, there were many other contenders considered by the producers. Recently, Bright Side imagined a parallel universe—using Photoshop—where Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, or Michael Gambon never played their famous roles. Here’s a look at some of the most surprising “what ifs” from the casting process, including a special guest the filmmakers were desperate to recruit!
1. Harry Potter – Almost Played by Liam Aiken
When casting began, American actor Liam Aiken, known for A Series of Unfortunate Events, was the top choice for Harry Potter. However, author J.K. Rowling insisted that all the main actors be British. This decision led to Liam Aiken’s immediate rejection, paving the way for 11-year-old Londoner Daniel Radcliffe to become the Boy Who Lived.
According to The Guardian, Rowling personally called producer Chris Columbus multiple times to ensure that Aiken was not cast.
2. Hermione Granger – Emma Watson vs. Hatty Jones
The search for Hermione Granger was a tough decision between two talented young actresses: Hatty Jones, the star of Madeline, and Emma Watson, who had no prior acting experience. Despite her inexperience, Watson impressed casting director Janet Hirshenson with her wit and natural talent, ultimately winning the role.
3. Ron Weasley – Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s Missed Chance
Few know that Thomas Brodie-Sangster, later famous for The Queen’s Gambit and other roles, auditioned for Ron Weasley but was rejected. He later said this experience motivated him to stay optimistic and persistent in his acting career.
4. Draco Malfoy – Tom Felton’s Multiple Auditions
Before landing the role of Draco Malfoy, Tom Felton auditioned for both Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Though he didn’t get those parts, Felton has said he never felt jealous and was grateful to play Draco, relishing the teamwork on set.
5. Luna Lovegood – Saoirse Ronan’s Audition
Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, known for her many acclaimed roles since childhood, once auditioned for Luna Lovegood. However, J.K. Rowling personally chose Evanna Lynch, feeling her aura perfectly matched Luna’s character.
6. Cedric Diggory – Henry Cavill Lost to Robert Pattinson
“Superman” actor Henry Cavill experienced several early setbacks, including losing two major roles to Robert Pattinson: Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and later Edward Cullen in Twilight.
7. The Grey Lady (Helena Ravenclaw) – Kate Winslet Was Approached
Producers wanted the famous Kate Winslet, then at the height of her career after Titanic, to play the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw. However, her agent declined the offer without consulting her, due to her busy schedule. The role eventually went to Kelly Macdonald.
8. Albus Dumbledore – Sir Ian McKellen Declined
After Richard Harris, the original Dumbledore, passed away, Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, X-Men) was considered a perfect replacement. However, McKellen declined, partly due to past criticism from Harris about his acting. Michael Gambon ultimately took the role.
9. Bellatrix Lestrange – Helen McCrory Was the First Choice
Helen McCrory was originally cast as Bellatrix Lestrange, but her unexpected pregnancy forced her to step down just before filming. Helena Bonham Carter took over, bringing her unique flair to the character. McCrory later returned to the series as Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mother.
10. Lily Potter – Producers Wanted J.K. Rowling Herself
Producers saw a striking resemblance between J.K. Rowling and actress Geraldine Somerville (who played Lily Potter). They even invited Rowling to play Harry’s mother, reasoning that as the “mother” of the whole story, she’d be a perfect fit. Rowling declined, saying, “I’m not an actress. I’d just mess everything up!”
