- IAN MCKELLEN
Among the most classic and well-known English actors, Ian McKellen has already participated in two hugely successful franchises, and almost did a third. After the death of Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, McKellen was invited to play the headmaster of Hogwarts. However, the actor refused the offer, claiming that he had already played the "original" wizard in The Lord of the Rings. Furthermore, he commented that it wouldn't be fair because "one of the last things Harris said publicly was that I'm a terrible actor, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to take the role."
2. Kate Winslet
Titanic star Kate Winslet had the opportunity to participate in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, but at the time, even she didn't know. According to ScreenRant, the film's producers were looking for a high-profile actress to play Helena Ravenclaw, a small but important role in Harry's story, but Winslet's agents refused the offer before it even reached her. No one knows if she would have accepted, but the role ended up going to Kelly Macdonald, of Trainspotting and No Country for Old Men.
3. HUGH GRANT
Hugh Grant, the darling of romantic comedies, was slated to play Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Gilderoy Lockhart in Chamber of Secrets, but had to decline. Despite being the first choice for the role and initially accepting the project, he dropped out because he was also cast in Two Weeks Notice with Sandra Bullock. The role ultimately went to Kenneth Branagh.
4. Tilda Swinton
For one of the strangest reasons, Tilda Swinton refused to play Sybill Trelawney, the Divination professor, because she disagreed with the type of education offered at Hogwarts. "I don't like films like Harry Potter, which tend to romanticize these places [boarding schools]. I think they're a cruel environment to grow up in, and I don't think children benefit from that kind of education." There's no denying that Swinton would have done a magnificent job as the eccentric professor, but Emma Thompson perfectly encapsulated the essence of the character.
5. TIM ROTH
Known for playing antagonists, Tim Roth was the first choice to play Severus Snape in the saga. Despite also being cast in *I Was There in the Middle*, the actor accepted the offer to bring the potions professor to life. By adjusting his schedule, Roth managed to plan to do both, but the exhaustion of having to travel back and forth to fulfill both projects led him to leave Snape behind, a role that ended up going to Alan Rickman.
6. ROSAMUND PIKE
The actress who rose to fame after starring in Gone Girl also almost participated in the franchise of the world's most famous wizard. Rosamund Pike was invited to play journalist Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but decided she wasn't interested. This was because she would have had to sign a contract for two films, and would have had very limited screen time.
7. Christopher Lee
Another legendary actor who participated in the Lord of the Rings franchise was also considered to continue Richard Harris's legacy as Dumbledore. Christopher Lee refused the role because he felt it was disrespectful how Harris's death was being handled, with gossip about continuing the Dumbledore storyline being treated with more importance than the actor's life. "I consider that low-class. He had only been dead for ten days and the gossip started."
8. NAOMI WATTS
When production on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince began, the Harry Potter team needed to cast someone to play Narcissa Malfoy, and Naomi Watts quickly came to mind. Recognized and highly talented, the actress was approached to play Draco's (Tom Felton) mother, but, like Kate Winslet, she was unaware of the offer. Her agents turned down the role, which ultimately went to Helen McCrory.
9. SEAN CONNERY
However, the actor refused Chris Columbus's offer because he didn't understand the appeal of participating in a children's film about wizards. Furthermore, shortly after that, Connery announced his retirement, so he probably wasn't interested in participating in a franchise anyway.
10. DAVID WALLIAMS
Little known in Brazil, but with a great career in the United Kingdom, David Walliams was invited to participate in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, playing Barty Crouch Jr. The actor refused the invitation because, despite being interested in the franchise, he wanted to participate as a teacher, or someone who had more involvement in the story. Barty Crouch Jr. ended up going to David Tennant, who did a spectacular job.