MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Movie Stars Who Almost Were

Date: September 2, 2025

Overview

This bonus episode gives listeners a whimsical but insightful deep-dive into a tantalizing “What if?”: the well-known actors who were almost cast as iconic Harry Potter movie characters—but ultimately, were not. The MuggleCast crew reflect on how casting decisions shaped the series, share surprising behind-the-scenes stories, and debate which nearly-cast choices would have worked, which would have confused audiences, and which ones they’re glad never happened.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dumbledore: The Post-Harris Dilemma (01:16–07:43)

• Peter O’Toole & Ian McKellen
  • Both were top contenders to replace Richard Harris as Dumbledore after his passing.
  • Peter O’Toole reportedly declined because Harris was his best friend and it felt too personal.
  • Ian McKellen refused due to Harris' disparaging remarks (“technically brilliant but passionless”).

    “He didn't feel right stepping into a role where, like, his predecessor would not have approved of him taking it on, basically.” —Host 2 (03:10)

• Discussion of Typecasting
  • The hosts note that McKellen was already indelibly Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, and there was risk of viewer confusion if the same actor played two fantasy wizards at the peak of their popularity.
  • Quote on fantasy typecasting:

    “I also feel like you would have been risking being typecast as an old wizard.” —Host 1 (04:39)

2. Snape: The Tim Roth Almost-Was (07:45–12:11)

• Tim Roth turned down Severus Snape for Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes and fear of typecasting.
  • The hosts debate his suitability, with some wishing they could see an alternate universe with his Snape.
  • Quote:

    “I’ll be on every lunchbox or whatever it is, but that will be it, really. I’ll be known for that.” —Tim Roth (10:16)

• Reflection on Franchise Commitments
  • Discussion of the pressure actors face to commit to long-running franchises, sometimes at the expense of variety or ambition.

3. Trelawney: Tilda Swinton’s Philosophical Pass (12:23–15:20)

• Tilda Swinton considered but declined Sybill Trelawney, allegedly for ideological reasons:
  • She criticized the Harry Potter series for “glorifying and romanticizing the boarding school experience” (13:13). As a boarding school alumna herself, she found the depiction dissonant.
• Emma Thompson ultimately delighted fans in the role.
  • Hosts joke about Swinton being “perfect” to play Voldemort in the upcoming TV series due to her otherworldly presence (15:20).

4. Rita Skeeter: Rosamund Pike’s Short-Lived Consideration (16:50–19:58)

• Rosamund Pike was almost cast as the nosy journalist but balked at a requested two-film commitment because the character barely appears.
• Miranda Richardson’s take on Rita is lauded as iconic; the hosts agree Pike’s talents were better used elsewhere.
  • Quote:

    “She looked at the script and said, well, she’s not in it that much…so I can understand being Rosamund Pike and not wanting to commit to two films if you’re gonna have, god, what is it, 87 seconds of screen time?” —Host 4 (18:08)

5. Gilderoy Lockhart: Hugh Grant’s Near-Miss (21:06–22:35)

• Hugh Grant was reportedly cast as Lockhart and even dyed his hair blond, but schedule conflicts (notably with Two Weeks Notice) forced him to step away.
• Although Grant would have been great, the hosts agree Kenneth Branagh was the superior and now “unimaginable alternative.”
  • Notable moment: Hugh Grant references Harry Potter in Love, Actually, drawing a chuckle from the hosts.

6. Tom Riddle: James McAvoy on Hold (22:52–24:43)

• James McAvoy was considered for young Tom Riddle in Chamber of Secrets.
  • Warner Bros. put him on retainer (£40,000) as they deliberated, making a young, broke McAvoy “feel rich to do nothing.”

    “As a young, broke actor… ‘holy shit, I’m rich to do nothing.’” —Host 1, paraphrasing McAvoy (23:44)

• Ultimately, the role went to Christian Coulson.

7. Jacob Kowalski: Michael Cera’s Curveball (24:56–29:47)

• Michael Cera was a surprise contender for the role of Jacob in Fantastic Beasts. The hosts, and many listeners, agree this would have been an odd fit:

  • “Why? Like, it doesn’t fit Jacob’s character at all.” —Host 2 (25:37)
  • Discussion on how Cera’s signature awkwardness would not have matched Jacob’s warmth and comedic heart.
  • Ultimately, Dan Fogler’s lesser fame (and different physique) made him feel fresh and right for the role.
  • Cera reportedly turned down the Potter role for a voice part as Robin in The LEGO Batman Movie.
  • Notable quote:

    “Dan Fogler’s portrayal of Jacob gives him honestly, like a little more game, like a little more Riz. Honestly. Michael Cera does not swagger.” —Host 2 (31:51)

• Impression Game:

  • Hosts joke about trying their best “Michael Cera as Jacob Kowalski” impressions, all agreeing his famously flat affect would limit their attempts (30:56–31:30).

8. TV Show Casting and Franchise Commitments (19:58–21:06, 32:39–33:24)

• Discussion of how the incoming HBO TV show is handling casting differently, reportedly demanding long-term (8–10 year) contracts from the child actors to avoid past issues, like Emma Watson’s near walk-out.
• Speculation and anticipation about future “almost cast” stories and more actors possibly turning down roles to avoid franchise commitments or controversy, especially given J.K. Rowling’s reputation.

9. Honourable Mentions & Final Thoughts (34:04–end)

• Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn from Lord of the Rings) is suggested as a dream alternative for Sirius Black.

  “From Strider to Padfoot…” —Host 4 (34:11)

• Reflection on actors adjacent to the Potterverse—how many British actors circled the franchise, even if just missing the mark.
• Note: Helen McCrory originally considered for Bellatrix but eventually played Narcissa—a slightly different category of “almost cast.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On McKellen and Harris’ “actor beef”:

  “Actors beef sometimes.” —Host 2 (02:33)

• Typecasting Woes:

  “I think Dumbledore was modeled pretty heavily after Gandalf as well.” —Host 2 (06:19)

• Rosamund Pike on Skeeter:

  “She's not in it that much...87 seconds of screen time?” —Host 4 (18:08)

• On Michael Cera’s style:

  “Michael Sarah does not swagger. No Riz.” —Host 2 and Host 4 (31:51–32:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | | ----------------------------------------- | ---------------- | | Dumbledore recasting (O’Toole, McKellen) | 01:16–07:43 | | Tim Roth as Snape | 07:45–12:11 | | Tilda Swinton & Trelawney | 12:23–15:20 | | Rosamund Pike as Rita Skeeter | 16:50–19:58 | | Franchise commitments for TV show | 19:58–21:06 | | Hugh Grant as Lockhart | 21:06–22:35 | | James McAvoy as Tom Riddle | 22:52–24:43 | | Michael Cera as Jacob Kowalski | 24:56–29:47 | | Impression game (Michael Cera as Jacob) | 30:56–31:30 | | Final thoughts/Sirius Black dream cast | 34:04–34:14 |

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up with good humor, gratefulness for the cast we got, and eager curiosity about what “almost” casting stories may emerge as the TV series assembles its own cast. The episode is a fun blend of Potter nostalgia, industry insights, and playful speculation—perfect for fans who love learning how the franchise might have been wildly different with just a few alternate casting choices.

Missed a near-casting? Got TV show predictions? Let the MuggleCast team know what “almost” Harry Potter castings you wish had come true—or are glad didn’t!