When it comes to iconic franchises with large fandoms like the Harry Potter universe, it often becomes impossible for audiences to imagine the series without the original cast – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. So it might be difficult for Potterheads to fathom, but Tom Felton had originally auditioned for both Harry and Ron, by drastically changing his look.
Before landing the part of the sneering school bully Draco Malfoy, Tom Felton recalled waving his wand over at least two titular Harry Potter characters. Auditioning for the role of the Boy Who Lived and his sidekick Ronald Weasley, Felton had nearly landed the roles, until the characters went to the deserving, and we found our apple-munching Death Eater.
Tom Felton’s Audition for Two Titular Harry Potter Roles
Imagining a Wizarding World where Tom Felton wasn’t the iconic Draco Malfoy is nearly impossible. But shockingly, there was a time when the actor almost played one of the titular characters in the franchise. In a spellbinding twist, Felton revealed how his journey to Hogwarts had been more magical than people might expect.
Long before he was known for his sneering smirk and trademark “Potter,” Tom Felton was a hopeful young wizard auditioning for not one, but multiple roles in the Harry Potter universe. Yes, that’s right! Before Felton became synonymous with Draco Malfoy’s pointy blonde hair and haughty demeanor, he tried his luck at the role of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.
According to Tom Felton’s interview with The Guardian, the actor revealed how he had initially channeled his inner Gryffindor qualities to transform into Harry and his adorable best friend Ron. Well, as per Felton, he not only transformed his persona but also had to change his look multiple times to fit the magical criteria for Harry’s dark hair and Ron’s ginger hair.
So it seems that Tom Felton’s audition journey was nothing short of enchanting. Initially waving his wand with the grace of a professional, the actor had almost landed either of the two titular roles. But as fate and a bit of wizarding whimsy would have it, the roles of Harry and Ron eventually went to Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.
Tom Felton Became the Ultimate Star to Play Draco Malfoy
But worry not, for Tom Felton’s magic didn’t lose its sparkle, and his talent didn’t go unnoticed. Instead of joining the ranks of Gryffindor, Felton was ultimately cast as Draco Malfoy–the perfect opponent to Harry Potter. It’s almost as if the Sorting Hat decided to cast Felton in a role that would make him legendary.
Continuing his interview with the outlet, Tom Felton reflected on his auditions for multiple roles in the Harry Potter films and admitted to being completely unaware of the wizarding world. The actor claimed to be the only one among thousands of candidates who acted out the characters with no knowledge of their personalities or stories, whatsoever.
I was also one of the only ones who had no idea what Harry Potter was at the time. Anyone could try out for it, so many excited kids went along who loved the books deeply.
Surprisingly, despite his lack of awareness about the books, Tom Felton had apparently nailed the auditions. The actor noted that perhaps his confidence and “nonchalant” attitude towards the franchise is what guided him towards the role of Draco Malfoy, who was known for his signature “disinterest and arrogance” regarding everything.
I reckon I got the part because I was nonchalant, and had no idea what anyone was on about. Wizards in cupboards under the stairs? And with three older brothers, you learn to be confident quickly. I think Chris Columbus, the director, recognised this slight disinterest and arrogance in me, which he thought could work for Malfoy.
In the end, no matter what got Tom Felton the role of the ultimate Slytherin snob, Potterheads are thankful for the epic casting that heightened the magic of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe, some more.
The Harry Potter films are currently available to watch on Max.
