J.K. Rowling Turned Down A ‘Harry Potter’ Role Because She’s ‘Not Cut Out’ To Be An Actress
J.K. Rowling might be the reason behind one of the world’s most celebrated series, but for the British author, this should not be enough to land her a role in the Harry Potter film adaptations. Rowling recalled that she was asked by the producers to play the role of Harry’s mother. However, she refused because she believed that she lacked the acting credentials.
“The filmmakers did ask me to play Lily Potter in the first film, but I really am not cut out to be an actress, even one who just has to stand there and wave. I would have messed it up somehow.”
The role went to Geraldine Somerville. The “standing and waving” pertain to the only actions Harry’s parents did when he saw them in the enchanted Mirror of Erised in the first Harry Potter film.
Even if it’s been 15 years since the Harry Potter films started, the franchise continues to be a source of hope for those who are yearning for an escape. Recently, a 7-year-old girl residing in the war-torn Syrian city Aleppo thanked Rowling for sending her the books.
My friend @jk_rowling how are you? Thank you for the book, love you from #Aleppo. – Bana pic.twitter.com/c84b4Zux0G
— Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana) November 23, 2016
When one follower asked Rowling how it was possible to arrange the delivery of books where everything is in disarray, the author simply responded, “ebooks.”
The Harry Potter universe was again expanded with the release of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Much to the delight of many Potterheads, the latest film will have four more films. When a curious Twitter follower asked Rowling why she opted to make Fantastic Beasts a five-part series, she responded, “Our story starts in 1926 and ends in 1945. It’s just too big to fit in one movie!”
Note: The succeeding part of the article contains spoilers.
Many were surprised upon finding out that Johnny Depp is on board as Gellert Grindelwald. While some were displeased because of the marital issues Depp recently faced, Rowling told MTV that she approved of David Yates’ decision to cast the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory actor.
“Watching him create a character is fascinating. It’s been quite inspiring to me as the writer. I feel he’s got quite an interesting approach to creating a character.”
Apart from her belief that “the physicality is exactly right,” Rowling is assured that just like Eddie Redmayne’s similarities with his character Newt Scamander, Depp can thoroughly “inhabit” Grindelwald’s character.
Gellert Grindelwald & Newt Scamander ?
THANK YOU, @jk_rowling! ? #FantasticBeasts #JohnnyDepp #EddieRedmayne pic.twitter.com/5dODYnnaPg— IFOD (@ifod_net) November 23, 2016
Producer David Heyman also gave an explanation to Collider on why Depp was apt for the role. They said what they searched for was someone who could be seductive and charming at the same time.
“We were looking for someone who was seductive and could be charming and could be original, who was iconic, who was a great actor; and that’s what Johnny Depp is. He can be irresistible. He’s powerful. He’s created some iconic characters, and not made the obvious choices when doing so. The unpredictability of the choices he makes is part of what makes him so extraordinary and that was very exciting for us. He was the perfect choice for Grindelwald.”
Fans will see more of Depp in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts movies. Apart from scenes with Newt, fans must look forward to Grindelwald’s duel with former friend Albus Dumbledore. The second Fantastic Beasts, scheduled for a 2018 release, will be set in Paris. Heyman told the publication that they’d “go through the ’20s, and into the ’30s and ’40s, and maybe beyond.”
The producers cannot help but be excited about the upcoming movies because they don’t have books to base the works on. Heyman thinks that creating the film is somehow liberating because as opposed to the Harry Potter franchise, fans won’t compare the films with the books.
[Featured Image by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images]
