15 actors you never knew turned down roles in 'Harry Potter'

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"Harry Potter" is one of the most influential film franchises, but not everyone wanted to be a part of it.
Actors have refused roles in everything from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" to the latest "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
From Kate Winslet to Tilda Swinton, here are actors you never knew turned down roles in "Harry Potter."

Harry Potter" has become one of the most influential film franchises ever produced for more reasons than one. The movies successfully captured J.K. Rowling’s beloved series of novels on screen and provided an essential part of the childhoods of many in the process.

However, in addition to all of this, the movie franchise also made the careers of many British stars. Children and adult actors alike were showered with public attention due to their roles in these films and raised to A-list status.

Not everyone who was offered a role in the "Harry Potter" universe wanted to be a part of the esteemed franchise, though. Given how popular and loved the "Harry Potter" movies are, a surprising amount of actors turned down opportunities to be a member of Rowling’s world.

This list covers actors who were offered roles in the movie of the "Harry Potter" universe, from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" to the latest "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." From A-list stars to lesser-known actors, chances are these performers who refused their roles might now be regretting their choice to pass on being part of one of the most cherished movie franchises ever.

Imagine what could have been with this list of actors who nearly became members of the wizarding world.

Here are the 15 actors you never knew turned down roles in "Harry Potter."

15. Naomi Watts

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The character Narcissa Malfoy, wife to Lucius Malfoy and mother to Draco, is a complex one. Chilling, reserved, yet still emotional, the role of Narcissa called for a talented actress.

Filmmakers for the final installments of the "Harry Potter" franchise recognized this fact, and started browsing through the best of the best English actresses to fill the part. Naturally, Naomi Watts quickly came up as one route the producers could take with the character.

However, Watts never caught wind of the offer. Instead, her agent rejected the role on the actress’ behalf. The role of Narcissa ended up going to Helen McRory, who brought her own entertaining flair to the character.

Still, seeing Watts’ own interpretation of Draco’s mother would’ve been an interesting addition to the films.

14. Christopher Lee

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Christopher Lee’s filmography is chock full of impressive roles. Besides his roles in films such as "The Curse of Frankenstein" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles," Lee also had major roles in some of the largest franchises ever made.

Some of his most popular roles were Saruman in Peter Jackson’s "Lord of the Rings" films and Count Dooku in George Lucas’ "Star Wars" prequels. At one point, "Harry Potter" was almost added to this long list of memorable films.

Following Richard Harris’ death after "The Chamber of Secrets," producers began to scramble to fill the role of Dumbledore for the franchise’s next installment. Christopher Lee’s name quickly rose to the top of the list of possibilities.

However, Lee refused to even consider the part, claiming that the gossip surrounding the part after Harris’ death was distasteful. The drama surrounding Dumbledore’s casting would put him off from ever acting in the franchise.

13. Tilda Swinton

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With her bold and unusual style, exceptional screen presence, and impressive acting skills, Tilda Swinton seems like the perfect choice for casting a "Harry Potter" role. Unfortunately, the actress didn’t feel the same way.

When Swinton was approached to play the quirky Divination professor Sybill Trelawney, she passed on the role due to a busy schedule. After some time, however, the truth came out in an interview with a Scottish magazine.

In the interview, Swinton revealed her resentment towards boarding schools and the isolation that they force on children, going on to say that she “[disliked] films like "Harry Potter" which tend to romanticize such places. I think they are a very cruel setting in which to grow up and I don’t feel children benefit from that type of education.”

One thing’s for certain: Swinton’s reasons for passing on "Harry Potter" are certainly one of the most unique.

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