In the wake of HBO developing the new Harry Potter series, a surprising piece of information surrounding the OG films has resurfaced. During a Twitter Q&A with The Times of India (via GQ India), it was revealed that a legendary Bollywood actor, Naseeruddin Shah, was once approached to audition for the role of Albus Dumbledore.

My agent wanted me to audition for Dumbledore’s character after Richard Harris died. I was asked if I would like to audition for it. But I wouldn’t audition for it. 

Shah shared that his agent wanted him to try out for the part after the passing of Richard Harris, who originally played the beloved Hogwarts headmaster in the first two films. However, the Indian actor admitted that he decided not to audition. Naturally, the role eventually went to Michael Gambon, who continued as Dumbledore for the next six movies. 

Could the $50M Bollywood Icon Truly Compete for Dumbledore? 

Now, even though critically acclaimed Bollywood star Naseeruddin Shah had acted in Hollywood before, playing Captain Nemo in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the chances of him landing the role of Dumbledore at that time were extremely slim. Like, yes, he didn’t audition for the role, but had he taken the chance, the Harry Potter films’ strict “British and Irish actors only” policy would have barred him anyway. 

Bollywood Star Naseeruddin Shah | image: Ifpofficial, licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After all, we all know how Warner Bros. rejected the globally renowned and beloved actor Robin Williams, who was desperate to play Rubeus Hagrid or Remus Lupin (via GamesRadar). Even though Williams would have been well-suited for both roles, he was turned down because the films exclusively cast English actors to maintain authenticity. 

So even if the Indian legend, Naseeruddin Shah, had auditioned, the studio’s casting rules would have worked against him. Plus, back then, J.K. Rowling was heavily involved in the production of the films, and she personally wanted the Wizarding World to feel culturally accurate. So, with Rowling watching the casting very closely, it would have been almost impossible for Shah to take on the role of Dumbledore. 

However, things look different today. HBO’s new Harry Potter series is taking a more inclusive approach, and the role of Dumbledore is already being played by American actor John Lithgow. With the franchise opening its doors to global talent, someone like Naseeruddin Shah would have a much better chance now than he would have in the early 2000s. 

Legendary Actors Who Were Almost Cast as the Hogwarts Headmaster

Throughout the Harry Potter films, Albus Dumbledore has remained one of the most important characters, whom you either completely love or resent. Naturally, the pressure to recast him after Richard Harris’ passing was massive. That’s when the studio looked at several legendary actors who could bring the same wisdom, warmth, and authority to the character.

Ian McKellen in The Lord of the Rings films | image: New Line Cinema

And guess what? There were around five actors, whose names popped up as possible choices before Michael Gambon bagged the role. One of the most famous names considered was Ian McKellen, who already played Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings. Further, other names included Peter O’Toole, Christopher Lee, Sean Connery, and Patrick McGoohan (via MovieWeb). 

The table contains basic details on Harry Potter:

Franchise Name:Harry PotterAuthor:J.K. RowlingNo. of Books:7No. of Films:8 (excluding 3 Fantastic Beasts films)Production House:Warner Bros. PicturesKey Actors:Daniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonMichael GambonAlan RickmanRalph FiennesBox Office:$9.5 billion (all 11 films)

And while each actor brought something unique, none of them landed the role. Eventually, it went to Michael Gambon, who donned the character with great intensity and gravitas. Now, after Harris, Gambon, and Jude Law playing the Hogwarts headmaster in different films, the responsibility has passed to John Lithgow. 

Let us know who your favorite Dumbledore actor is across all Harry Potter films. 

Harry Potter is streaming in the US on HBO Max. 
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