Tom Felton is the only original actor returning for the new Harry Potter TV series, but while the whole cast is now facing being replaced there were plenty of switches made in the films amid health and legal crises
The new Harry Potter TV series is well underway, and only one original star is set to return. It’s been less than 15 years since the last film in the franchise, with some fans saying it’s too soon for a reboot – but a major actor from all eight films seems to disagree.
Author JK Rowling is working as an executive producer on the HBO Original series, and casting for some of the Hogwarts staff has already been released. Like the movies, the TV adaptation seems to be mainly sticking to British talent so far, but none of the child stars have yet been publicly cast.
We do know that Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost – who worked alongside Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint on the show Sick Note – will be playing the lovable giant Hagrid. Black Mirror and Gangs of London actor Paapa Essiedu will take on the troubled Potions professor Severus Snape, and some American talent will come from John Lithgow, a mainstay of stage and screen.
The show is already been boycotted by many fans due to Rowling’s comments about the transgender community, while many of the original stars have also spoken out against her and her views. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, has stayed on the fence about the author – and seems to have clinched himself a connection to the upcoming series by staying on good terms with her.
Speaking to The Times about Rowling’s firm stance on transgender issues, Tom stayed very diplomatic as he mused: “I couldn’t speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but I’m often reminded, attending Comic-Cons in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life.
“I’m constantly reminded of her positive work in that field and as a person. I’ve only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I’m very grateful for that. I’m pro. I’m pro-choice. I’m pro-life. I’m pro-discussion. I’m pro-love. I don’t tend to pick sides.”
Now, he has reportedly been in talks with HBO to stay involved in the Harry Potter TV show. A source told the Daily Mail: “Everyone knows that Tom has Jo’s blessing. While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity even if he disagreed with her. And now it seems he will be the one original cast member who will be involved with the new production.”
He apparently won’t be acting despite fans’ demands to see him play Draco’s dad Lucius Malfoy, but might instead focus on mentoring and content connected to the show. “Tom has expressed an interest in visiting the set and meeting with the actor playing Draco, and Warner is keen to make it happen. There has even been talk of getting him involved in creating behind-the-scenes content for HBO which could form part of a documentary about the making of the TV show,” the source claimed.
Since finding fame, the actor has admitted to three rehab stints after the show, after suffering with a crippling alcohol addiction. But, while stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe are still major stars, what has happened to some of the other actors who helped launch the Harry Potter films to success?
Richard Harris and Michael Gambon – Albus Dumbledore
Everyone remembers Richard Harris’ spellbinding portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. The Oscar-nominated actor, who played King Arthur in Camelot and Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator, turned down the role of the Hogwarts headmaster three times because he knew his health was in decline.
However, he finally accepted because his then 11-year-old granddaughter threatened to never speak to him again if he did not take it. Harris admitted that his wayward nature almost lost him the role of Harry Potter’s wise mentor as he and the rest of the cast were asked to sign up for a seven-movie deal.
“The thought of doing seven films was intimidating,” he said at the time. “I’m rebellious by nature and felt it could be rather difficult to handle.”
After filming the Chamber of Secrets, Harris fell ill and underwent chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease. Harris had expected to get out of hospital in time to feature in the Prisoner of Azkaban but sadly he died in October 2002 at the age of 72, just two months after his diagnosis.
Bosses were forced to recast the role and initially turned to Sir Ian McKellen, but he didn’t want to take the part as Harris had previously called him a “dreadful” actor.
He explained on BBC’s HARDtalk: “When they called me up and said would I be interested in being in the Harry Potter films, they didn’t say in what part. I worked out what they were thinking, and I couldn’t take over the part from an actor who I’d known didn’t approve of me.”
Four months after Harris’ death, esteemed actor Michael Gambon was announced as the new Dumbledore. Gambon portrayed the character in a slightly different way, keeping his natural Irish accent and giving the character a much less sweet disposition as the films got progressively darker.
Tragically, Gambon died in 2023 after quitting acting for good in 2015. In a statement given by his family at the time of his death, it was confirmed: “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.”
Verne Troyer and Warwick Davies – Griphook
Verne Troyer, who became famous playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies, played Griphook in the first movie. Despite producers vowing to use only British actors throughout the films, the American actor someone managed to sneak in as the Gringotts goblin.
While Troyer appeared in prosthetics and costume as Griphook, he was voiced by Warwick Davis, who was seen on screen as another bank teller and Charms teacher Professor Flitwick. By the time Griphook was brought back into the franchise there was a definitive rule about only using British stars so Troyer was replaced.
Verne went on to appear in final Austin Powers movie Goldmember, The Keith Lemon movie and Celebrity Big Brother in 2009. Sadly, the actor died aged 49 in Los Angeles in 2018 of suicide by alcohol poisoning.
In the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 and 2, Griphook had a much more expanded role, and was played entirely by Davis. Explaining how he got the part, Davis said: “Griphook has so much more depth to him than I’d ever been able to get into my work as Professor Flitwick. So, I went in and read for David Yates and the casting director, and gave them a best shot, David left a message that I’d got the part.”
Davis has had an illustrious career since leaving Harry Potter behind, but sadly suffered the loss of his wife Samantha. During an inquest this month, it was determined that the actress, who was just 53 years old when she passed away in March 2024, died as a result of a cardiac arrest following complications of essential surgery.
Jamie Waylett – Vincent Crabbe
Jamie Waylett’s only acting roles have been in the Harry Potter movies. The young actor played Draco Malfoy’s crony Vincent Crabbe, who was always seen alongside his double act partner Gregory Goyle. Waylett appeared in all of the first six movies until he was kicked out for some inappropriate behaviour.
In 2009, he lost his role in Harry Potter after he was caught growing cannabis plants in his home, and was sentenced to 120 hours community service. Waylett was then jailed for two years in 2012 after being found guilty of violent disorder when he swigged from a bottle of champagne stolen during the London riots. He was also pictured holding a petrol bomb, though he was cleared of intending to destroy or damage property.
While Crabbe was never properly recast, his role as one of Malfoy’s henchman was taken over by Blaise Zabini, who appeared in the books but hadn’t been a major part in the films. Malfoy’s new lieutenant, who was played by Louis Cordice, appeared in the final three films, and his fate was left unknown while fellow Slytherin Goyle was killed by Fiendfyre in the Room of Requirement in Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
Richard Bremmer – Voldemort
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, but the villain was played by another actor in the first movie. Richard Bremmer was the first person to appear on-screen as the Dark Lord during the flashback sequence where he murders Harry’s parents at their home.
However, you wouldn’t be able to recognise him as he was shrouded in a dark cloak for the scenes. His face did appear right at the end of Philosopher’s Stone when Professor Quirrell removed his turban to reveal Voldemort’s face on the back of his head.
Bremmer was covered in prosthetics and his face was superimposed onto the back of Quirrell actor Ian Hart’s head – with Hart also doing the voice of the evil wizard. When Voldemort finally returned to his full power in the fourth film he was played by Schindler’s List actor Fiennes.
“The producers spent a long time fighting to get me so I’m very proud to have been the first. But the role is now being played by Ralph Fiennes, who is an old mate, in the fourth film,” Bremmer told Digital Spy. “I’ve been in the business a long time and it didn’t surprise me they just went for a bigger name, being Hollywood led, and I’m happy to pass it on to Ralph.”
Bremmer may have missed out on coming back as one of the greatest villains of all time but he has continued acting. He appeared in martial arts comedy Shanghai Nights, as an officer in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and in Coronation Street in 2004.
Elizabeth Spriggs – The Fat Lady
Acclaimed actress Elizabeth Spriggs played The Fat Lady in the first Harry Potter movie. The moving portrait guarded the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room and was seen asking students for the password.
When she returned in the third film, The Fat Lady was portrayed be comedy legend Dawn French. The French and Saunders star got the role after Christopher Columbus, who directed the first two films and was co-producer on the second, saw her Harry Potter spoof sketch for Comic Relief.
While no longer in Harry Potter, the Royal Shakespeare Company actress Spriggs went on to appear in Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Her final film role was in 2008 British drama Is Anybody There? which also featured Michael Caine. Sadly, the actress passed away aged 78 in June 2008, with her funeral attended by fellow actors Jeremy Irons and Peter Vaughan.
Derek Deadman – Tom the Innkeeper
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Doctor Who actor Derek Deadman played Leaky Cauldron barman Tom in the first Harry Potter movie, welcoming young Harry as he ventured into Diagon Alley. Tom initially seemed friendly and pretty normal for a wizard, but when the character returned in the Prisoner of Azkaban he had been completely transformed.
The kindly barman had changed into a creepy man with a hunched back, bald head, and pointed ears -which actually was much more like his description in the books. Jim Tavaré was the one to take on the role for the third film, and was instructed to be more like Igor from Young Frankenstein.
Deadman himself stepped back from the film industry after his appearance as Tom, and retired to Frespech in France. He was 74 when he died from complications associated with his diabetes in 2014.
Meanwhile, Tavaré suffered a horrifying car collision in 2017, leaving him with devastating injuries. The BAFTA-winning star was left with over 30 broken bones, including his neck, alongside collapsed lungs. After a long hospitalisation and gruelling recovery, Tavaré used the experience as inspiration for a stage performance, aptly named ‘From deadpan to bedpan’.
Jessie Cave – Lavender Brown
Several actors have appeared in the role of Lavender Brown across the film franchise – leading to some controversy. In Chamber of Secrets she was played by Kathleen Cauley, who was then replaced by Jennifer Smith in the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Smith featured in several scenes, such as during a Divination lesson, but did not have any lines and her character was never mentioned by name. Lavender was given a much more prominent role in the Half-Blood Prince when she became Ron Weasley’s girlfriend.
This time she was played by Jessie Cave, which caused some controversy and accusations of ‘white-washing’ the cast as black actresses had previously had the role. That wasn’t the only scandal involving Lavender, as the character was seen wearing Hufflepuff robes in the second movie instead of Gryffindor, an error which was corrected for the next movies.
Cave has gone on to welcome four children with comedian Alfie Brown. In her latest move, the actress, comedian, and podcaster has opened an OnlyFans account for those attracted to very long hair.
Richard Fish – Bill Weasley
Richard Fish made a very fleeting appearance in The Prisoner of Azkaban as Bill Weasley. In the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Fish was seen in the back of a photo from the Weasley family’s holiday to Egypt during the school holidays.
All of the rest of the Weasley family were main cast members aside from Alex Crockford, who portrayed Charlie Weasley in the picture. Fish spent a few days on set just to get the photo, which -like all pictures – moved in the film, and the actor had hoped to return in a greater capacity in The Goblet of Fire.
During an interview with the Leaky Cauldron fan site, he said: “After Azkaban I had a talk with a few of the Assistant Directors over a couple of months and after they learned I was keen to return to hopefully make Bill have a larger presence, they confirmed that they were interested in re-hiring me for the job.”
However, it wasn’t to be as Bill did not appear in the subsequent movie and when he did appear properly in the franchise he was played by someone else entirely. Domhnall Gleeson, the son of Mad Eye Moody actor Brendan Gleeson, took over the role for The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2.
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