When I think of James McAvoy, roles like Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men series or his chilling performance in Split come to mind. But recently, I was surprised to learn that McAvoy almost became a part of another iconic franchise: Harry Potter.
A New Thrill in ‘Speak No Evil’
Before diving into that missed opportunity, it’s worth mentioning that McAvoy is set to star in the upcoming film Speak No Evil. Directed by James Watkins—known for Eden Lake and The Woman in Black—the movie is a remake of a Danish-Dutch thriller and promises to be a gripping experience. McAvoy’s role is said to be as spine-tingling as his performance in Split, which has me eagerly awaiting its release.
Almost Joining the Wizarding World
During the promotional tour for Speak No Evil, McAvoy appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast and shared some intriguing stories about roles he nearly took. One of the most surprising revelations was that he was close to landing a part in the very first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
“I almost played in Harry Potter, yeah,” McAvoy admitted. “It was for the role of Tom Riddle—he was in the first one, right? In a flashback scene? It was early in my career, and I remember auditioning for it.”
The Role of Tom Riddle
Tom Riddle, who later becomes the infamous Voldemort, makes a brief but significant appearance in the first film. McAvoy recalled that the producers were considering him and about ten other actors for the role. “They wanted to put us all under contract and decide later who they’d choose,” he explained. “It was a bit strange, especially since I didn’t have much experience at the time.”
The commitment came with a catch: accepting the offer would have meant being tied up for seven months, preventing him from taking on other projects. Despite the allure of joining such a massive franchise, McAvoy decided to pass on the opportunity, following the advice of his agent—a professional relationship that has lasted nearly 25 years.
A Path Less Traveled
It’s fascinating to think about how different McAvoy’s career might have been if he’d donned the dark mantle of young Voldemort. Instead, the role in the first film went to Richard Bremmer, with Ralph Fiennes famously taking over as Voldemort from the fourth movie onward.
McAvoy also mentioned that he nearly landed a part in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot of Star Trek, though he didn’t specify which character. It’s clear that his career could have taken several alternate routes, but his choices have led him to a diverse and impressive body of work.
Looking Ahead
With Speak No Evil set to hit theaters on September 18, fans of McAvoy have much to look forward to. His ability to delve deep into complex and unsettling characters suggests that his performance will be one not to miss.
It’s always interesting to hear about the roles that actors turn down or narrowly miss. In McAvoy’s case, passing on Harry Potter didn’t hinder his rise to stardom. Instead, it paved the way for a career filled with varied and challenging roles that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.