The Harry Potter series has been around for decades, with the first Wizarding World adventure arriving in 1997. No matter how big the Wizarding World grows, or how many times fans re-watch/re-read the movies/books, there are still things that even the biggest Potterheads don’t know about the series.
Here are ten things that you might not know about Harry Potter.
10. J.K. Rowling Declined A Role In The Movies
J.K. Rowling was originally offered the role of Lily Potter in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. While it may have seemed appropriate for Rowling to portray Harry’s mother, since her imagination gave birth to the character, the author decided to turn down the role. The role eventually went to Geraldine Somerville.
9. Steven Spielberg Wanted To Make Animated Movies
It might be hard to imagine now, but Steven Spielberg came very close to directing an adaptation of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. The legendary filmmaker showed interest in making an animated version of the first Harry Potter book, but producers felt it wasn’t the right direction for the series. Chris Columbus was later hired to helm the live-action adaptation.
8. J.K. Rowling Wanted The Cast To Be British
When selling the film rights to the Harry Potter series to Warner Bros. Pictures, J.K. Rowling made the studio agree to a somewhat unusual term. Rowling had a “British only” rule when it came to the cast, meaning the studio couldn’t hire any American actors as major Harry Potter characters.
7. Robin Williams Wanted To Play Hagrid
Legendary comedian and actor Robin Williams reportedly wanted to play Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies, but was turned down for a very specific reason. J.K. Rowling had a strict “British only” rule when it came to the cast, stopping American actors from appearing in the series.
6. Hugh Grant Was Going To Play Lockhart
Love Actually and Notting Hill actor Hugh Grant was originally cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. The actor was forced to pulled out of the film due to a scheduling conflict, leading producers to cast Kenneth Branagh as the phony professor.
5. Tom Felton Originally Auditioned For Harry Potter
Tom Felton, the young actor who portrayed Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, originally auditioned for the role of Harry. Producers didn’t feel Felton was their Harry, but fortunately liked him enough to cast him in the role of Draco Malfoy.
4. They Tried To Give Emma Watson Buck Teeth
Fans of the Harry Potter books will know that Hermione was supposed to have very large buck teeth. While it would be easy to assume that this was just ignored for the movies, it turns out director Chris Columbus actually tried to give Emma Watson buck teeth. When the young actress couldn’t read her lines properly with the mouthpiece in, however, they were scrapped for good.
3. Ian McKellan Nearly Played Dumbledore
Following the tragic death of Richard Harris, who portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies, Warner Bros. offered the role to Ian McKellan. The actor, known for his role as Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings, didn’t feel comfortable taking the role and eventually turned it down. The part ended up going to Michael Gambon, who delivered a unique version of the character.
2. Emma Watson Nearly Walked Away From Harry Potter
Emma Watson has revealed that she nearly quit the Harry Potter franchise. The actress, who played Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter movies, admitted that she almost walked away after the fifth film in the series. Thankfully, Watson had a change of heart and decided to complete the series.
1. Dementors Were Based On J.K. Rowling’s Struggle With Depression
J.K. Rowling has been open about her struggle with depression following the death of her beloved mother. In recent years the author has revealed more about her inspiration, including the fact that the Dementors were inspired by her experience with depression.
Did you know all of these interesting Harry Potter facts? Let us know in the comments section below this post and check out some of our other Harry Potter features!
