The $9.6B Harry Potter franchise indefinitely cemented the careers of several British actors like the Golden Trio, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, and more. However, there were several key characters who were almost played by different actors. Evidently, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange co-star Tilda Swinton was eyed for the role of Professor Sybil Trelawney.
Now that it’s been a little over two decades since the film series first debuted in cinemas, let’s take a look at why Tilda Swinton refused to play the infamous role in the billion-dollar franchise. Despite reprising her roles in fantasy franchises like Chronicles of Narnia, Swinton had bizarre reasons for turning down the Harry Potter franchise.
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Tilda Swinton Was Chosen To Play A Hogwarts Professor
After 22 years since the first Harry Potter film was released in theaters, we can all agree unanimously on the flawless casting choice. And while we have been accustomed to the cast, it’s time to look back at when Warner Bros almost chose Tilda Swinton for the role of a Hogwarts professor.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange co-star, who is often known for her villainous role in the Chronicles of Narnia, was apparently eyed for the role of Professor Sybil Trelawney. Offered to play the role of the strange divination professor, Swinton might have been a great choice.
However, the Moonrise Kingdom actress purposefully refused to appear in the $9.6B franchise, and the role went to Emma Thompson. Although Swinton was not selected for the role, the actress went on to appear in several other well-known franchises. The actress further mentioned that she refused the franchise after learning that it would be more than just one film.
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Tilda Swinton Trashed The $9.6B Harry Potter Franchise
During an interview with The Scots Magazine, Tilda Swinton reflected upon the time when she was offered the role of Sybil Trelawney in the Harry Potter franchise. Recalling the offer, Swinton threw the film series under the bus, as she openly trashed the idea of the books and the movie’s romanticizing boarding schools.
Having attended West Heath boarding school in London, Tilda Swinton expressed her hatred for the concept of boarding schools. Calling it “hell” and “a very lonely and isolating environment,” to grow up in, the actress further went to slam the Harry Potter franchise for featuring and promoting the boarding schools concept.
“That’s why I dislike films like Harry Potter which tend to romanticize such places.” Swinton criticized, further adding, “I think they are a very cruel setting in which to grow up and I don’t feel children benefit from that type of education.”
Having personal experience of growing up in such gloomy places, Swinton subtly hinted at why she refused the films.
Watch the Harry Potter films on Max.
Source: The Scots Magazine
