Were there any notable British actors who did not get a role in Harry Potter?

Tim Roth - The original choice for Severus Snape. Turned the role down eventually in favour of Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes.

Don't get me wrong, Alan Rickman did an outstanding job, but I often ponder how Tim would have played Snape if he ended up taking the role.

Christian Bale - One of the actors initially considered for Sirius Black.

Got with go with Gary Oldman on this one, Bale would have been 30 and way too young to play a guy who is old enough to have a teenaged kid.

Sir Peter O' Toole - Was considered for the role of Dumbledore after Sir Richard Harris' death and before Sir Michael Gambon was cast.

Naomi Watts - It is rumoured that she was considered for the role of Narcissa Malfoy, but again, that was probably just a rumour.

Hugh Grant - The original choice for Gilderoy Lockhart.

Henry Caville - Was among the actors considered for Cedric Diggory.

Sir Christopher Lee - Was considered for Rufus Scrimgeour.

Edit 1:

Rowan Atkinson - Rumours that he was initially approached to play Lord Voldemort were probably baseless. I do think he would have made a good Arthur Weasley or Xenophilius Lovegood though.

Martin Freeman - Thanks to Damini Singal for pointing this out. Martin expressed regret that he was one of the very few British actors never to have been offered a role in the Harry Potter franchise. Though, in the producers' defence, there probably wasn't a character in the franchise which would have suited him perfectly. Professor Quirrell perhaps? Not sure.

Colin Firth - Was among the actors initially considered for Professor Quirrell for the first movie and then Remus Lupin for the third, but probably no formal offer was ever made.

Tilda Swinton - Was reportedly offered the role of Sybill Trelawney before Emma Thompson was signed.

Ian McKellen - Like Peter O' Toole, was in consideration for Albus Dumbledore after Richard Harris' death. Apparently wasn't too interested as it was 'too similar to Gandalf the Grey'.

What are some disturbing facts about Harry Potter?

 

• Hagrid once brought half a dead cow to his class to feed the Thestrals .
• Barty Crouch Sr. was killed by his son and buried in Hagrid's garden;
• Both of Molly Weasley's brothers, who were twins, were killed by the Death Eaters;
• Lily and James were only 20 years old when they had a child. They were told of a prophecy that said their child would be killed , so they were forced into hiding and not allowed to leave for their safety. They were 21 years old when they were murdered.

• Harry was an abused child;
• Dumbledore was very irresponsible . He is one of the most powerful wizards, if not the most powerful of all time. The Death Eaters aren't as powerful as him, nor are the men in the Ministry. Yet, he always does nothing when the school is threatened, and he never tells things as they are, always being mysterious and kind of saying, "The boy has to do it himself."
• It hadn't been long since wizards had started using the bathroom like humans;
• Mad Eye Moody can see through everyone's clothes;

What are some little-known facts about the Harry Potter movies?

 1.Coincidence?

Harry's birthday is July 31, 1980. Rowling's birthday is also July 31 – but in 1966.

2. Old but Good

The actress who played Moaning Myrtle was 37 years old when "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" was filmed. She is the oldest actress ever to play a Hogwarts student.

3. Dirty Mouth

The character of Ron Weasley originally swore a lot, but Rowling's publisher wouldn't allow her to use such language because it was inappropriate for young readers.

4.JK - Just Kidding ! (Just kidding!)

Rowling's publisher suggested she use initials rather than her given name, "Joanne Rowling," to appeal to male readers. She chose JK, borrowing the "K" from her grandmother, Kathleen. However, neither "Kathleen" nor "K" is part of her legal name.

5. Story Spoilers

Only Alan Rickman, the actor who played Professor Snape, knew his character's fate before the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" because Rowling told him.

6. Botanical Inspiration

Rowling has said the inspiration for the name of Harry's school in the books, "Hogwarts," may have subconsciously come from the name of a plant she saw at Kew Gardens in New York City.

7. Interesting Audition

Rupert Grint dressed up as his female drama teacher and rapped about Ron Weasley for his audition tape. His rap went something like, "Hello, my name is Rupert Grint, I hope you don't think I smell."

8. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

Contrary to popular belief, the 't' at the end of Voldemort is silent. His name comes from the French word meaning "flight of death."

9. Achievement

JK Rowling based 11-year-old Hermione somewhat on herself at the same age. She even made Hermione's Patronus her favorite animal, an otter.

10. The Itchy Second Year

A lice outbreak occurred among child cast members during the filming of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."