The “Harry Potter” film series is considered by many to be one of the best book-to-movie adaptations of all time. After all, they were able to successfully bring J.K. Rowling’s incredible world of magic and mystery to life! So it should come as no surprise that there were tons of actors who lined up to audition for parts in the films. While some of the casting decisions were obvious, others weren’t so clear cut.
Here are 12 Actors Who Were Almost Cast in Harry Potter
Remember when Warner Bros. promised the most comprehensive casting process in history to find their Harry Potter? The role of Hermione Granger was reportedly narrowed down to two actresses before they settled on Emma Watson. And the search for Harry Potter himself went on for months before Daniel Radcliffe got the part.
But besides those two main characters, there were lots of other roles that were hotly contested by some huge stars and rising talent. Here are 12 actors who were almost cast in “Harry Potter.”**
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint playing Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” films. But plenty of actors have auditioned for the roles over the years.
Here are 12 actors who almost played your favorite characters from the “Harry Potter” films.
1. Sienna Guillory was almost Bellatrix Lestrange
Sienna Guillory already had a few films under her belt when she auditioned to play Bellatrix Lestrange in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” According to IMDB, she also tried out to play Fleur Delacour in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” but lost out on both parts.
She may not have gotten a role in “Harry Potter,” but that didn’t stop her career: Guillory has appeared in several movies and TV shows since, including “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” “Eragon,” and “Agatha Christie’s Poirot.”
It’s hard to imagine anyone but Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as Harry, Hermione and Ron in the “Harry Potter” film series. But before the stars were cast, there were a few other actors who came close to taking on these roles. Check out 12 actors who almost played your favorite characters.
1) Katie Leung as Cho Chang
Katie Leung ultimately won the part of Cho Chang, Harry’s first love interest. But other actresses were considered for the role. The producers auditioned Ziyi Zhang (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) and Keira Knightley (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy).
2) Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley
Bonnie Wright starred as Ginny Weasley in all eight “Harry Potter” films after being introduced in “The Chamber of Secrets.” But she was not the first actress to be considered for this role; model Amy Allen was originally cast and filmed scenes for the movie before being replaced.
3) Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis grew up before our eyes to play bumbling Gryffindor student Neville Longbottom from ages 11 to 17. But he was not always a shoe-in for this role; Lewis beat out fellow British actors Ben Barnes (”
The Harry Potter franchise is one of the biggest in cinematic history and with it came a number of breakout roles for its young cast. It’s easy to forget that these stars weren’t always destined for their iconic roles, however. Multiple actors auditioned for each part in the film series from Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) to Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood).
Here are 12 actors who nearly landed some of the biggest parts in Harry Potter.
From Daniel Radcliffe, to Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, the Harry Potter film series has been a star-making machine thanks to its incredible casting. But did you know that Helena Bonham Carter wasn’t the only actress being considered for the role of Bellatrix Lestrange? Or that Emma Watson almost didn’t get to be Hermione Granger? You won’t believe which other actors almost stole these roles right out from under our favorite stars.
Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange
Amazingly, Helena Bonham Carter was not the only actress being considered for the role of Bellatrix Lestrange, Lord Voldemort’s most devoted Death Eater. In fact, she was actually one of the last on the list. Evanna Lynch and Katie Leung were both considered before Helena Bonham Carter got the part.
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
Before Emma Watson landed the role of Hermione Granger, Tamara Hope was also in consideration for the part. In addition to that role, she was also up for Luna Lovegood, who ultimately went to Evanna Lynch.
For years, the role of Bellatrix Lestrange was one of the most sought-after parts in Hollywood. Hundreds of actors auditioned to play the deranged member of Lord Voldemort’s inner circle. But when Warner Bros. finally announced that Helena Bonham Carter would be playing the part, fans were ecstatic.
“She’s an actress I misread at first,” J.K. Rowling said in a 2008 interview with The Herald Sun. “I thought she was too pretty for Bellatrix, but then I saw her in Sweeney Todd.”
