X-Men Star James McAvoy On Why He Turned Down Harry Potter

As a gamer with a keen interest in both movies and video games, I can’t help but reflect on James McAvoy‘s journey that almost took him to Hogwarts. The Scottish actor, who is known for his versatility, nearly became the dark wizard we all dreaded, Tom Riddle. However, destiny had other plans for him.


In a different turn of events, James McAvoy tried out for the Harry Potter movie franchise, almost landing the role. However, following suggestions from his representative, the talented Scottish performer opted against it and instead accepted a stage part that earned him boos from the audience. McAvoy shared this anecdote during a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.

“I was nearly in Harry Potter. Almost,” he said.

McAvoy auditioned for the role of Tom Riddle, and he was in the running, but the situation surrounding the deal was odd–and it led McAvoy to pass.

The individual stated, “They proposed keeping me on a contract, but they had already given me something. It seemed bizarre. At that point, I hadn’t done much work at all. They wanted to keep around 10 other actors and myself on this contract so they could pick us later. It was quite an unusual situation. They offered a substantial amount of money for my services at the time, approximately £40,000 or thereabouts. Yet I had barely worked.

Following a discussion with his representative, Ruth Young, McAvoy decided it was wiser not to commit, as such an action might have hindered him from pursuing other opportunities, seemingly.

McAvoy recounted, “For nearly seven months, I couldn’t have worked, as far as I remember. I asked my representative, ‘What’s your opinion?’ She promptly responded, ‘Definitely not. Avoid it at all costs.’

McAvoy followed her guidance and declined the offer for another opportunity – a part in a weekly-paid stage play titled “Out in the Open,” earning him £275. However, it wasn’t his dream role entirely, as McAvoy himself admitted that during one performance, he was jeered offstage by an intolerant man due to his character’s sexual orientation.

McAvoy stated that he held no remorse for declining the role of Harry Potter, instead viewing it as a significant step in his personal growth.

Is there a possibility that James McAvoy could reprise his role in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series by Warner Bros? It seems unlikely, as he stated, “I’m not certain if there is anything significant I am yearning to explore, given my past performances.

J.K. Rowling’s perspectives and remarks towards the transgender community remain a lingering issue within her series. Regardless, she consistently voices her personal views, which may have distanced her from certain fans of the franchise.

In other Harry Potter news, a remastered edition of The Lego Harry Potter Collection is coming this October, which is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s ongoing efforts to focus on major franchises like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings in the future. As for McAvoy, he stars in the psychological horror movie Speak No Evil, which is out now in theaters.

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2024-09-13 19:09