It wasn’t just Potterheads and casual moviegoers who developed a deep disgust for Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series. According to reports, even the actor who brought the character to life harbored a strong aversion to the role. Jason Isaacs, renowned for his portrayal of the sinister Death Eater, initially had no intention of playing the character.
In a twist worthy of the wizarding world, Jason Isaacs had originally auditioned for a different role altogether. But in the end, director Chris Columbus steered Isaacs’ fate towards Lucius Malfoy, despite the actor’s reluctance to play the sinister role. Perhaps his hatred for the character is what drove him towards the role and turned his performance even more compelling.
Jason Isaacs was Hesitant to Embrace the Role of Lucius Malfoy
Despite garnering global popularity for his chilling portrayal of Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, Jason Isaacs initially had no desire to take on the role. Already cast to appear as Captain Hook in 2003’s Peter Pan, Isaacs wished to avoid playing two back-to-back children’s villains, considering his Wizarding World debut in 2002.
Therefore, reflecting on his journey through the magical saga, during the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunion special (via Bustle), Jason Isaacs revealed how he had originally auditioned for the role of Gilderoy Lockhart. Willing to play the charming and fraudulent Hogwarts professor, Isaacs had read for the part.
However, filmmaker Chris Columbus, who was impressed with Jason Isaacs’ audition as Gilderoy Lockhart, wanted to try him out in the role of Lucius Malfoy. And therefore, despite his initial reservation for the role, Isaacs was asked to read for the part. That’s when the actor admitted his failed attempt at sabotaging the audition.
I was first aware of Harry Potter because everybody was reading the books, everywhere I went… I’m convinced I ended up playing Lucius because I didn’t want to. I went to audition for Gilderoy Lockhart and Chris said, ‘that was great, would you mind reading a different part?’
I was about to play Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and I thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to play two children’s villains’. And I read through gritted teeth, deeply bitter, and of course, that’s exactly what was necessary and they asked me to play Lucius, and thank God they did.
The part of Gilderoy Lockhart went to Kenneth Branagh and Jason Isaacs ended up with the role he was best suited for. Despite his initial reluctance, even Isaacs later expressed his gratitude for the role, which not only became an integral part of the franchise, but also influenced other characters and the overall storyline.
Jason Isaacs’ Character Became a Crucial Part of the Harry Potter Saga
Debuting as Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Jason Isaacs flawlessly captured the essence of his sinister character and quickly became more than just a villain in the franchise. While emitting a dark aura that hinted at his connection to Lord Voldemort, Isaacs’ character being the intimidating and authoritarian father simultaneously shaped Draco Malfoy.
Serving a greater purpose than just scaring young students, Lucius Malfoy’s evil characteristics and heartlessness became a prime explanation for why Draco was such an entitled brat and a bully. During the reunion special, Jason Isaacs as well as Tom Felton reflected on how Draco became a product of bad parenting, who alongside his father went on to choose the wrong side, making everyone’s lives miserable.
The point of him being in the story, to me, is to explain why Draco was such a horrible, heartless, sadistic bully at school. Isaacs explained
He’s a product of his parents, Draco. And he’s got really bad parents. If Hagrid was your first influence, chances are you’re gonna be very lovely and huggy. But if your Dad is a psychopath, wielding a cobra cane, you’re probably not gonna be the friendliest either. Felton noted.
Thereafter, recalling their on-set experiences together, Jason Isaacs and Tom Felton described their father-son dynamics as similar to Jekyll and Hyde. Meanwhile, although Isaacs recalled how he had to establish his evil persona on young Felton, the latter simply reflected on how his onscreen father was actually a gentleman and was entirely opposite to his sadistic character.
Harry Potter films are available on Max.
