20 actors you didn't know almost played iconic roles in the Harry Potter series

The Harry Potter movies are an iconic and legendary movie series that has been a memorable part of many people’s lives. The movies are not only known for the storyline and magical feel but also for the actors who have made the characters their own and have become forever memorable for their roles. But there are some actors who were almost selected for the roles and in this list, we are going to talk about 20 actors you didn't know almost played iconic roles in the Harry Potter series.

1) Robin Williams (Hagrid)

Did you know Robin Williams was almost cast as Hagrid? Robin Williams was keen to portray the role of Hagrid, However, director Christopher Columbus could not cast him because it was a British-only cast and Robin Williams was not British. The role later was given to Robbie Coltrane who played the beloved role of Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter Franchise.

2) Michael Cera (Jacob Kowalski)

Michael Cera was offered the role of Jacob Kowalski in the Fantastic Beasts series however he turned down the role and opted to do the Lego Batman movie instead. The role was later given to Dan Fogler who was appraised for his performance in the movie as Jacob Kowalski.

3) Rosamund Pike (Reeta Skeeter)

The role of the journalist Reeta Skeeter was almost played by Rosamund Pike. Pike was the first choice for the role, however, she declined because it was a smaller role and she would have to return for the fifth movie as well. The role was portrayed by Miranda Richardson later in the movie.

4) Helen McCrory (Bellatrix)

Helen McCrory was originally cast as Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movie series but could not start the shooting because of her pregnancy. She however bagged the role of Narcissa Malfoy. The role of Bellatrix was later given to Helena Bonham who was widely acclaimed for her performance of the role and made her iconic among the viewers.

5) David Thewlis (Professor Quirrell)

David Thewlis had initially auditioned for the role of Professor Quirrell in the Harry Potter movie series. However, he was rejected and the role was given to Ian Hart. Ian Hart's performance as Professor Quirrel has been flawless according to the viewers. David Thewlis later bagged the role of Remus Lupin.

6) Tim Roth (Severus Snape)

Tim Roth was offered the role of Severus Snape and was the first choice. However, Tim turned down the role because of a scheduling clash with the Planet Of the Apes franchise. The role was later given to Alan Rickman who beautifully evoked the the character’s depth and complexity and has become an icon for the potterheads.

7) Rosie O’Donnell (Molly Weasley)

Rosie O’Donnell is a big fan of the Harry Potter books and she even offered to play the role of Molly Weasley for free in the Harry Potter movie series. However, the producers did not cast her mainly for the reason of an all-British cast. The role was given to Julie Walters who brought the character’s warm and loving nature.

8) Kristen Stewart (Queenie Goldstein)

Kristen Stewart was considered for the role of Queenie Goldstein in the Fantastic Beasts movie series. Stewart is known for her acting in movies like Twilight and is an established actor but the role of Queenie Goldstein was different from the roles played by Kristen which may have been a reason why she was ultimately not chosen for the role.

9) Tom Felton (Harry Potter)

Tom Felton initially auditioned for the role of Harry Potter. However, he was rejected for that role but was given the role of Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter’s nemesis. Tom Felton has said in interviews that he is grateful that he received the role of Draco Malfoy and added that no other actor would have played the role of Harry Potter better than Daniel Radcliffe.

10) Kate Upton (Tina Goldstein)

Kate Upton who is known for her successful modelling career was considered for the role of Tina Goldstein in the Fantastic Beasts movie series. However, she was not cast for the role mainly because of her popularity as a model as viewers might recognize her more as the Kate Upton than the character that she is playing. Many high-profile actors were also rejected for the role of Tina Goldstein which was later given to Katherine Waterston.

11) Christian Bale (Young Dumbledore)

Christian Bale was considered for the role of young Dumbledore in The Fantastic Beasts movie series initially. He was among the top picks for the role according to reports. However, the role was given to Jude Law. Christian Bale could have played the role of young Dumbledore to perfection because of his versatility as an actor.

12) Josh Gad (Jacob Kowalski)

Josh Gad is well known for his comedic timing and ability to bring warmth to the characters that he portrays. He was initially considered for the role of Jacob Kowalski. Though Dan Fogler ultimately bagged the role of Jacob Kowalski, Josh Gad was a strong competitor for the role.

13) Dakota Fanning (Queenie Goldstein)

A short list of actors who were being considered for the roles of Newt, Tina, Queenie, and Jacob was leaked, Dakota Fanning was on the list as a considerable casting for Queenie Goldstein. Dakota Fanning could have put forth a captivating performance had she been cast for the role of Queenie Goldstein, however, the role was given to Alison Sudol, whose unique performance has become memorable.

14) Hugh Grant (Gilderoy Lockhart)

Hugh Grants was considered for the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in the Harry Potter movie series. Lockhart who is a vain and self-absorbed character could have been portrayed by Hugh Grant who is known for his comedic timing which would have aligned with the character. However, because of a scheduling conflict, Hugh was not able to take the role and it was given to Sir Kenneth Branagh.

15) Sean Connery (Albus Dumbledore)

Sean Connery was offered the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series by Chris Columbus. However, Connery declined the role. The role was eventually given to Richard Harris who portrayed the role to perfection according to the viewers. However, Sean Connery would have been an intriguing addition to the cast.

16) Eddie Redmayne (Young Tom Riddle)

Eddie Redmayne had auditioned for the role of young Tom Riddle while he was still at university. However, he was not called for the role. The role of young Tom Riddle was given to Christian Coulson. Eddie later bagged the role of Newt in the Fantastic Beast movies.

17) Tilda Swinton (Sybill Trelawney)

Tilda Swinton was initially considered for the role of Sybill Trelawney the Divination Professor at Hogwarts. However, she declined the role. There has been no proper explanation given for the reason why she did not take the role. The role was later given to Emma Thompson who delivered a captivating performance.

18) Kate Winslet (Helena Ravenclaw)

Kate Winslet was considered for the role of Helena Ravenclaw in the Harry Potter movie series however it did not happen eventually. The role was given to Kelly Macdonald who perfectly delivered the mysterious role according to the viewers. However, Kate Winslet could have also portrayed the role uniquely as she is a versatile actor.

19) Ian McKellen (Professor Dumbledore)

Richard Harris was known for his legendary role as Albus Dumbledore in the first two movies. He passed away in 2002 after which the role was offered to Ian McKellen, however, Ian refused the role because of some comments made on his acting by Richard Harris previously. The role was later given to Michael Gambon who gave a glorious performance as the beloved Professor Dumbledore.

20) Robson Green (Sirius Black)

The tone of the movies got darker with Christopher Columbus getting replaced by Alfonso Cuaron as the director in Prisoner Of Azkaban. Before Christopher departed from the iconic movie series, he suggested casting Robson Green for the role of Sirius Black. However, the role was eventually given to Gary Oldman who made the character come to life and became an icon for all the potterheads.