Alan Cumming’s Blunt Rejection of a Major Harry Potter Role
Alan Cumming shared why he turned down the part of Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter, revealing his frustration over pay disputes and misleading budget claims.
Few film series have assembled as many iconic British actors as the Harry Potter saga. While the main cast featured young newcomers, the supporting roles were filled by legends like Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, and Alan Rickman. Yet, Alan Cumming, a celebrated stage and screen performer, never joined their ranks—despite being considered for a memorable part.
Behind the Scenes: Casting Gilderoy Lockhart
Cumming, known for his dynamic roles in movies such as GoldenEye and Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, seemed a perfect match for the flamboyant Gilderoy Lockhart. The character, a self-absorbed Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, was introduced in the second installment of the franchise. But when Cumming was approached for the role, he quickly realized something was off.
He told The Telegraph that the production team was not upfront about compensation.
“They wanted me and Rupert Everett to do a screen test, and they said they couldn’t pay me more than a certain sum; they just didn’t have any more money in the budget,”
Cumming recalled. He discovered that his agent, who also represented Everett, had been told a different story about the pay. The revelation left Cumming feeling deceived and frustrated.
Pay Disputes and a Candid Response
Feeling slighted by the pay disparity, Cumming didn’t hold back.
“I had the same agent as Rupert, who, of course, they were going to pay more.”
He was incensed that the studio assumed he wouldn’t notice the difference.
“I said, ‘Tell them to fuck right off’ and thought, well Rupert’s going to get the part,”
he said. But even Everett, who went so far as to bring his own wig to the audition, was passed over. Ultimately, the role went to Kenneth Branagh, a choice that surprised many given his established career and reputation for more serious roles.
Missed Opportunities and New Paths
Lockhart, though introduced as a celebrated wizard, is soon exposed as a fraud and comic relief. While the part may not have been pivotal, it’s still a missed opportunity for Cumming to join a global phenomenon. However, his career didn’t stall. The following year, he landed the role of Nightcrawler in X2: X-Men United, a character who quickly became a fan favorite. News of Cumming’s return as Nightcrawler in Avengers: Doomsday has since been met with excitement from fans.