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The $9.6BHarry Potterfranchise 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’sDoctor Strangeco-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 likeChronicles of Narnia, Swinton had bizarre reasons for turning down theHarry Potterfranchise.
Also read:4 Lead Actors From Narnia: Did Their Acting Careers Took a Nosedive After $1.5 Billion Franchise?
Tilda Swinton Was Chosen To Play A Hogwarts Professor
After 22 years since the firstHarry Potterfilm 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 choseTilda Swintonfor the role of a Hogwarts professor.
Benedict Cumberbatch’sDoctor Strangeco-star, who is often known for her villainous role in theChronicles 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, theMoonrise Kingdomactress 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.
Also read:MCU & It’s Most Overqualified Performances
Tilda Swinton Trashed The $9.6BHarry PotterFranchise
During an interview withThe Scots Magazine, Tilda Swinton reflected upon the time when she was offered the role of Sybil Trelawney in theHarry Potterfranchise. 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 theHarry Potterfranchise 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 theHarry Potterfilms on Max.
Read more:“It did me no favors with girls”: Harry Potter Franchise’s “Heartthrob” Who Had a Crush on Emma Watson Blames Himself For Not Being Popular Among Girls
Source:The Scots Magazine
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3218
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
