The Harry Potter film series has proven to be one of the most successful adaptations in history. Starring an ensemble cast of British actors, they enchanted millions of fans all around the world and brought the story of the Boy Who Lived to those who had never read the original novels.
The likes of Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, and Robbie Coltrane all put in memorable performances, bringing the magical characters to life on screen. However, even though there were few complaints about the casting of the Harry Potter movies, fans have speculated on what the franchise might have been like if other actors had taken on certain roles.
Some of these choices might have even made for a better experience, as the actors better fit the physical attributes and personalities of the characters.
20 Robin Williams As The Mischievous Peeves
Although Robin Williams expressed an interest in playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter series, we think he would have suited another role. Peeves the poltergeist was cut entirely from the movie adaptations. Yet, Williams could have brought the mischievous character to life perfectly.
19 Alec Guinness As The Wizened Professor Dumbledore
Before his death, Alec Guinness was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation. He had also already played a wizened and old mentor in the Star Wars original trilogy as Obi-Wan Kenobi. He would have brought grace and a sense of calm to the part of Dumbledore.
18 Tim Roth As No-Nonsense Alastor Moody
Tim Roth is probably best known for his appearances in films such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Yet, this experience as a tough, no-nonsense criminal would have been perfect for the gritty Alastor Moody. The auror would have definitely been someone not to mess with Roth playing him.
17 Naomi Watts As The The Dark Narcissa Malfoy
According to reports, Naomi Watts was actually approached to play Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Unfortunately, her agent turned the role down before it got to the actor to consider. Just imagine how the actor would have performed the part if she had accepted it.
16 Carey Mulligan As The Brave Tonks
Carey Mulligan is probably best known for her work in shows such as Doctor Who as well as the likes of Pride & Prejudice and Bleak House. Her physical characteristics match up well as Tonks and she would bring a more reserved and quiet aura to the role.
15 Adam Driver As Severus Snape
While Alan Rickman put in a masterful performance as Snape, he is not the only actor who could play the anti-hero. Adam Driver is a much better age fit for the character and has shown he is capable of playing dark, troubled but ultimately confused characters in the past with his work in Star Wars.
14 Tom Hardy As The Savage Fenrir Greyback
Fenrir Greyback really did not have much of a role in the films outside of a few token appearances, whereas he was a more present antagonist in the books. Allowing Tom Hardy to play the character would add some much-needed savagery and make the villain much more fearsome.
13 Martin Freeman As The Mild Mannered Arthur Weasley
Although there was nothing wrong with the original actor for Arthur Weasley, Martin Freeman would still be an excellent choice. After all, he is mild-tempered and funny, as shown by his role as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, but also stern and powerful.
12 Sophie Turner As The Fierce Ginny Weasley
Sophie Turner has already played one young redhead on television, portraying Sansa Stark in the hit Game of Thrones television series. That makes her the perfect choice for Ginny Weasley, as she is more than capable of portraying a strong female character.
11 Tom Hiddleston As The Sniveling Lucius Malfoy
Tom Hiddleston is another actor who could have appeared in the Harry Potter series. He has shown he is capable of playing slick villains, such as Loki in the MCU, and would be a better age fit for the head of the Malfoy family.
10 Henry Cavill As The Handsome Cedric Diggory
Henry Cavill usually portrays strong, brave, and handsome characters in films. In fact, his most notable role is probably the Man of Steel himself. He auditioned for the role of Cedric Diggory but was unsuccessful, despite the fact that he appears to fit the part incredibly well.
9 James McAvoy As The Tortured Remus Lupin
Like many other characters in the films, the actor playing Remus Lupin is much older than he should be. A more appropriate choice would have been James McAvoy. The actor is closer in age to the book version of Lupin and could pull off the disheveled appearance of the professor easily.
8 Judi Dench Augusta Longbottom
Augusta Longbottom was only shown very briefly in the Harry Potter movie adaptations. She plays a much larger role in the novels and Judi Dench would be a great actor to play the part in the movies. After all, she could be a stern but loving grandparent who is also a powerful witch.
7 Sean Bean As The Anti-Hero Sirius Black
Sean Bean has played practically every type of character during his career, from heroes such as Ned Stark to villains in James Bond. This gives him the necessary range to appear both as a mad criminal and the brave Sirius Black in Harry Potter. Of course, the character’s early death also fits his stereotype of always dying.
6 Kate Winslet As The Ghostly Helena Ravenclaw
There have been a few rumors that the producers for the Harry Potter movies approached Kate Winslet for a role in the franchise. This part was seemingly Helena Ravenclaw, who holds the key to finding the legendary diadem that is also one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. She would have brought grace to the part and accurately portrayed her beauty from the books.
5 Andy Serkis As The Dangerous Mad-Eye Moody
Andy Serkis is perhaps best known for his motion-capture work, but he is also an accomplished actor on his own. He already has experience playing rough and ready characters, such as Ulysses Klaue in the MCU, and could give a good representation of Mad-Eye Moody from the novels.
4 Tilda Swinton As The Mysterious Professor Trelawney
Tilda Swinton seems like the perfect actor to portray Professor Trelawney. She has an otherworldly quality to her that would suit with the mysterious nature of the Divination teacher. However, Swinton is unlikely to want to appear in the series due to her distaste of boarding schools.
3 Hugh Grant As The Useless Gilderoy Lockhart
Few actors in recent times have quite as much charm or are as dashing as Hugh Grant. It is precisely these qualities that would make him the ideal actor to portray the vain but handsome Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
2 Ian McKellen As The Headmaster Professor Dumbledore
Ian McKellen has already shown that he is capable of portraying wizards exceptionally well. In the Lord of the Rings movie adaptations, the veteran actor played the role of Gandalf. This gives him the experience and demonstrates that he could easily pull off the look and personality of the character.
1 Benedict Cumberbatch As The Evil Voldemort
Benedict Cumberbatch has emerged as one of the most in-demand actors in the world over the last few years. As well as being able to portray heroes and villains alike, he has a certain quality and striking appearance that would allow him to accurately portray the dark lord himself.
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