Based on JK Rowling’s best-selling books, the Harry Potter movie series is easily one of the most famous and loved film franchises of all time. Starting off with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in 2001, Rowling’s world of wizards, magic and mythical creatures captivated young minds all over the world.
The starring actors – most famously, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – have since enjoyed significant fame, with all three of them continuing to pursue acting careers, among other things.
But there are some things even Harry Potter’s biggest fans don’t know – ranging from interesting titbits about filming, casting or the actors themselves. Here are some fun facts about the Harry Potter movie series that you didn’t know.
- The role of Voldemort – or rather, he who shall not be named – was actually played by three different actors, including the likes of Ian Hart, Ralph Fiennes and Richard Bremmer. However, the make up and CGI was so effective that it is difficult for viewers to tell the difference!
- The film series’ legendary score was the work of no other than John Williams, the very man who is renowned for his incredible work on the likes of “Star Wars” and “Indian Jones”. It’s no wonder the Harry Potter sound track has become such a cult classic!
- The battle scenes in the series’ final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, actually took more than six months to film. Some of the scenes used a whopping 200 extras, making these battle scenes a serious feat.
- The three main characters, Ron, Harry and Hermione, were all cast at the age of eleven years old and were 21 turning 22 when the last film was released.
- The series’ legendary Great Hall of Hogwarts was actually filmed inside England’s very own Great Hall of Christ Church located in Oxford. It was transformed into the whimsical and magical place that became so familiar throughout the franchise, and eventually was the scene of part of the battle of the Deathly Hallows.
- Ever wondered how the filmmakers managed to get the actors to look like they were really flying on broomsticks? Well, like the best golf betting tips, there was a secret behind it. The secret is, the actors were in fact riding broomsticks. However, the broomsticks were attached to wires which were then removed digitally during the post-production period. And that’s how they made Quidditch come to life!
- Over more than a decade of popularity and fame, the “Harry Potter” franchise has won several awards, including prestigious honours such as BAFTAs as well as Academy Award nominations.
- Believe it or not, we almost got a completely different Dumbledore at the outset of the film franchise. No other than Sean Connery was offered the iconic role, but turned it down. In the end, the role was given to Richard Harris who played Dumbledore for many years, until he passed away. After that, the role was picked up by Michael Gambon who saw out the rest of the franchise.