The Harry Potter franchise has been a massive part of the cinematic universe where the movies simply changed the landscape of fantasy films. The film series not only earned a massive fanbase for JK Rowling’s books but also offered phenomenal roles to several actors. However, there are a few A-listers who almost made their way into the franchise, until Rowling intervened.
One such infamous actor was Tom Hanks’ Road to Perdition co-star Liam Aiken who almost featured as the titular character Harry Potter, until last-minute changes. The young actor nearly got his letter to Hogwarts, when JK Rowling refused to cast him, for a specific reason.
Liam Aiken Almost Played The Role Of Harry Potter
The $9.5B Harry Potter franchise that made its way into people’s hearts, once held rigorous auditions to find the best cast for the film series. During the casting process, it wasn’t just a responsibility to find the perfect embodiment of the characters, but also to seek commitment, since there were going to be eight movies in total.
During the process, Warner Bros, the director Chris Columbus, and JK Rowling faced the most difficulty in finding the lead character, Harry Potter. Going through a series of audition tapes, the studios almost failed to find the perfect Harry Potter, until they witnessed Tom Hanks’ Road to Perdition co-star Liam Aiken.
Liam Aiken was 10 years old when the franchise was casting for Harry Potter in 2000. The actor was not only at his perfect age to feature as the lead character but also had a handful of movies under his belt, including Chris Columbus’ 1998 Stepmom. But unfortunately, Aiken never made it to the movies and was replaced by Daniel Radcliffe.
JK Rowling Forced Warner Bros To Reject Liam Aiken
Although, after witnessing Daniel Radcliffe play the titular role of Harry Potter, it is hard to imagine anyone else reprising that role. But before he was cast as the lead character and stole hearts, Liam Aiken would have played a phenomenal Harry, especially after the way he opened the watergates with his 1998 tearjerker Stepmom.
However, unfortunately, Aiken never had the chance to embrace his letter to Hogwarts. According to Den Of Geek, the actor recalled how he was signed to play the child wizard, but eventually ended up losing the opportunity. The actor realized something that was indeed a real reason for his loss.
“I flew to England, and a week later I had the role. Then the next day, I didn’t…But I understood; like James Bond, Harry has to be British.”
Apparently, it is believed that JK Rowling intervened and herself said no to Liam Aiken’s casting. The author of the novels while approving the script that was to be used in the movies clarified how she wanted all the actors to be British. Thus, finding the American actor Aiken in the list, Rowling apparently made Warner Bros reject him, despite previously offering the role.
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Source: Den Of Geek
