Daniel Radcliffe is perhaps the most famous on-screen wizard of all time, having led the Harry Potter film series from 2001 to 2011 as the titular character, who’s also known as The Boy Who Lived. Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays Doctor Strange, is the close second, having made multiple appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including in Avengers: Infinity War, wherein his character took on genocidal warlord Thanos.
Interestingly, Radcliffe was once in the race to play this popular wizard (although Cumberbatch argues the character is more of a sorcerer) as well before Cumberbatch agreed to join the Marvel party with Doctor Strange in 2016.
How Close Daniel Radcliffe Came to Portraying Doctor Strange in MCU
Ever since his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Benedict Cumberbatch has become one of the most important figures in the franchise, having made six appearances as Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange.
The importance of his character, who is the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats, was underlined further after Marvel writers used Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as a gateway to dive deeper into the concept of multiverse. It’s tough to imagine the post-Avengers era of the MCU without Doctor Strange, and it’s even harder to imagine any actor portraying the character as well as Cumberbatch.
However, at one point, the Englishman wasn’t sure about accepting the role as Doctor Strange seemed “a bit of a misogynist, very bound in the 70s.” [via BBC Radio 1]
Marvel Studios met with several actors for the role. During this time, they also had a meeting with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. Having already shown his ability to wave his magic wand to great effect and deal with powerful villains like Lord Voldemort, Radcliffe certainly would have not been a bad choice for the role.
Interestingly, rumors of Radcliffe joining the MCU again emerged ahead of the release of Doctor Strange 2, with many believing that he might portray Wolverine in the movie. Much to his fans’ disappointment, the actor swiftly shut down those talks during an interview with ComicBook.
Which Actor Was Considered to Play Harry Potter Before Daniel Radcliffe
Like the role of Doctor Strange, Radcliffe wasn’t the first choice for portraying Harry Potter, the role that catapulted him to stardom overnight. Initially, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone director Chris Columbus considered casting Liam Aiken, whom he worked with in Stepmom (1998).
Columbus had to change his decision due to J. K. Rowling’s rule of only hiring British actors for Harry Potter movies.
The director then moved to Radcliffe, whose performance he saw in the TV adaptation of David Copperfield. After months of the auditioning process and tough negotiations with his parents, he got the part. The rest, as they say, is history!
