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How would this comedian fare as Harry Potter's dark lord?
One of the key successes of the Harry Potter film series undoubtedly includes the antagonist character Voldemort, or the name-that-must-not-be-named, sending chills down everyone's spine. Contributing to Voldemort's success is seasoned actor Ralph Fiennes, portraying a menacing and unforgettable dark lord.
However, the familiar image of Voldemort was almost portrayed by an unexpected name.
It's truly unbelievable, but as per The Guardian's report in 2006, the role of the Harry Potter villain Voldemort was almost handed over to comedian Rowan Atkinson. The Hollywood icon, known for his portrayal of Mr. Bean, was reportedly holding an official contract to collaborate with Harry Potter, as the dark lord.
Despite the swirling rumors surrounding the actor, spokesperson Janette Linden refuted them, affirming that Rowan Atkinson would not play Voldemort in Harry Potter. In the end, as seen in the films, actor Ralph Fiennes became the primary antagonist, the fearsome dark lord in J.K. Rowling's magical world.
Regarding Rowan Atkinson, not becoming Voldemort in Harry Potter didn't affect his career much; on the contrary, it's a blessing. Atkinson is famous for his comedic persona, thanks to roles like Mr. Bean, secret agent Johnny English, and even dubbed as the 'Modern-Day Chaplin'. So, if he had played Voldemort, perhaps Rowan Atkinson wouldn't have excelled like Ralph Fiennes.
Recently at the age of 67, Rowan Atkinson returned to television with a sitcom titled 'Man vs. Bee', where he engages in an uncompromising battle with... a bee. However, the series has garnered mixed reviews from critics, suggesting that Mr. Bean's comedic charm may have lost its touch.
Image Source: Compilation
