Sir Ian McKellen turned down the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films due to critical comments made by the previous actor, Richard Harris. McKellen refused the role out of respect for Harris, stating that he couldn't take over a part from an actor who didn't approve of him.

Why didn't Peter O'Toole play Dumbledore?

Columbus told TheWrap in 2021 that Peter O'Toole was considered for the part but rejected it due to his friendship with Harris. "Lord of the Rings" star Christopher Lee also said in 2002 that he wouldn't take the role because he thought it was in poor taste.

Why did Michael Gambon take over as Dumbledore?

Fellow Lord of the Rings star Ian McKellen was also considered, but he felt uncomfortable taking the role due to his rocky relationship with Harris. After Peter O'Toole's age and health status became worrisome, the producers went with Michael Gambon as Harris' official replacement as Dumbledore.

Was Ian McKellen offered a role in Harry Potter?

And his wizarding career could've been even grander; McKellen was once offered the role of Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies.

Who's stronger, Dumbledore or Gandalf?

Dumbledore kicks some serious ass, especially when it comes to wizarding duels, but in a contest of all-out brawls, the points have to go to Gandalf. Gandalf will frequently throw himself into the heat of battle, dispatching orc after orc with his sword and staff combo.

Harry Potter: Sir Ian McKellen reveals why he turned down Dumbledore role - BBC News

Could any wizard beat Dumbledore?

With or without the Elder Wand, Dumbledore is invincible in traditional wizard duels. Dumbledore has studied nearly every branch of magic in intimate detail, including obscure and unusual spells, and he could beat Harry with just one or two spells if they fought.

Who was more powerful than Dumbledore?

Merlin is the most powerful wizard recorded in the history of the wizarding world, even more so than Albus Dumbledore and definitely more powerful than Lord Voldemort. Merlin was intelligent and talented, and during his time at Hogwarts, he managed to decipher many of the secrets of the castle.

Who else auditioned for Snape?

Severus Snape's moral ambiguity is a crucial aspect of the Harry Potter franchise, and Alan Rickman's portrayal of the character became iconic. Tim Roth was originally considered for the role of Snape, but ultimately turned it down, leading to Rickman being cast instead.

Who else auditioned for Hermione Granger?

As for the role of Hermione Granger, producers had a hard time deciding between 2 young actresses that were equally fit to play the smarter sorceress of Hogwarts: Hatty Jones, star of the feature film Madeline, and Emma Watson, who until then was an unknown actress.

Who almost played Voldemort?

6 Rowan Atkinson Was Too Comedic To Play Voldemort

Bean. He also provided the voice for Zazu in Disney's The Lion King and played the titular role in the spy-comedy Johnny English film series, which was a parody of James Bond. Surprisingly, the comedic actor was among the front-runners for the role of Voldemort.

Which actor played Dumbledore better?

From the enslavement of elves by wizards to how Lily and James Potter fell in love, Harry Potter has some interesting but anticlimactic storylines. While Harris might have been the most faithful Dumbledore, Gambon's is certainly the best.

What happened to Fawkes after Dumbledore died?

Following Dumbledore's death, Fawkes sang his Lament over the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and then flew away, never to be seen again. His tail feathers were the cores of the two twin wands which were held by Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter.

How old was Dumbledore when he died?

Albus Dumbledore, for example, died when he was 115 years old, which was relatively young for a wizard. Nicholas Flamel and his wife lived more than 600 years thanks to the Philosopher's Stone, but regular wizards can live between 150 and 200 years. The Trolley Lady, for example, is around 190 years old.

Why did Richard Harris stop playing Dumbledore?

Harris was determined to portray Dumbledore again in Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), despite having been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and asked David Heyman not to recast the role. However, his death on 25 October 2002 necessitated recasting.

Was the actor who played Gandalf in Harry Potter?

However, the role was previously cast for Sir Ian McKellen who went on to appear as Gandalf but there was a surprising reason the Lord of The Rings star didn't go ahead as one of Hogwarts' most famous characters.

Who else auditioned for Cedric Diggory?

Henry Cavill auditioned for the part of Cedric Diggory but lost out to Pattinson. Ironically, Cavill was also Stephenie Meyer's first choice for the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight, a role which also went to Pattinson.

Who auditioned for Ron Weasley?

Thomas Brodie-Sangster

In an interview, he opened up about how hard it was to face the rejection and how not getting the part brought him feelings of anger and disappointment. Even though playing Ron Weasley would have been a great move in his career, it's difficult to imagine anyone but Rupert Grint as Ron.

Who turned down parts in Harry Potter?

Christopher Lee was reported to be in the running to take over the role of Dumbledore. Considered to replace close friend Sir Richard Harris as Professor Albus Dumbledore but politely refused. Tilda Swinton was reportedly originally offered the role of Professor Trelawney but declined.

Who auditioned for Gilderoy Lockhart?

5 Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) as Gilderoy Lockhart

That being said, Isaacs wasn't always destined to be Lucius Malfoy — he actually didn't even want the role. During an interview on Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, he revealed that he never meant to audition for Lucius.

Why wasn't Kate Winslet in Harry Potter?

Kate was offered the role of the founding member of Hogwarts School of Wizardry. But, her agent turned it down for her. Apparently, Kate didn't want to "follow suit with every other actor in Britain by being a part of Harry Potter."

Why didn't Hugh Grant play Lockhart?

Hugh Grant accepted the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. It's easy to see why Hugh Grant was offered the role of the fabulous Gilderoy Lockhart. Unfortunately, he was forced to turn it down because he had a romantic comedy in the works with Sandra Bullock.

Is Snape more powerful than McGonagall?

Verdict: Snape Is the Stronger Wizard

When it comes to the area of Transfiguration, McGonagall definitely has the upper hand. But when it comes to inventing spells, the Dark Arts, Legilimency and Occlumency, Snape has the edge. McGonagall is surprisingly skilled in the Dark Arts but not on the same level as Snape.

Could Albus beat Voldemort?

Albus Dumbledore is the most obvious person who can defeat Voldemort, outside of the Salazar Slytherin vs Voldemort debate, and the Dark Lord seemed to realize it. Rowling herself has explicitly stated in the books that Dumbledore is the only person Voldemort fears and recognizes as a genuine threat to his own power.

Who killed Grindelwald?

Death. Fifty-three years after his defeat, Grindelwald was slain in his prison cell by Lord Voldemort, who was searching for the Elder Wand for himself. It was only during the confrontation in Grindelwald's cell that Voldemort learned Albus Dumbledore had claimed the wand long ago.