Random Actors Who Were Incredibly Close To Playing Harry Potter Characters (20 items)

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  (#12) Billy Connolly

  • 76

  Billy Connelly was rumored to be considered for the part of Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father and a kook in his own right. However, the part went to Rhys Ifans instead.
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  (#8) Robin Williams

  • Dec. at 63 (1951-2014)

  Apparently, Robin Williams reached out to Warner Bros. with an offer to play Hagrid. But the studio decided to enforce a strict "Brits only" policy, and the role of the half-giant caretaker went to Robbie Coltrane instead.
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  (#15) Robson Green

  • 54

  Veteran television actor Robson Green was apparently considered for the role of misunderstood Animagus Sirius Black, but Gary Oldman ended up playing the character instead.
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  (#1) Peter O'Toole

  • Dec. at 81 (1932-2013)

  Richard Harris originated the role of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, but he passed away after the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Peter O'Toole was considered for the new Dumbledore - he had been close friends with Harris. O'Toole, however, politely refused. The role went to Michael Gambon instead.
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  (#16) David Walliams

  • 47

  Actor, comedian, and children's author David Walliams was almost cast as Barty Crouch, Jr., but the brief - but memorable - role went to David Tennant instead.
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  (#10) Hugh Grant

  • 58

  Kenneth Branagh played Gilderoy Lockhart, the vain, exaggeration-prone Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, with a particular flair. But the role was first intended for Hugh Grant - he apparently had to bow out due to a scheduling conflict.

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