It was recently revealed that Robin Williams actually auditioned for a role in the "Harry Potter" franchise. Producers denied him the role due to a weird rule being imposed on the films.
So much respect is to be given to the death of legendary comedian Robin Williams. He died at age 63 on August 2014 at his home in Marin County. Williams was known for playing the Genie in Disney's "Aladdin", Sean Maguire in "Good Will Hunting", Mrs. Doubtfire in "Mrs. Doubtfire" and other comedic roles.
The first movie in the "Harry Potter" franchise was directed by Chris Columbus. Chris and Williams had worked together on the films "Bicentennial Man" and "Mrs. Doubtfire". Their pairing would have been good, as they successful on the previous films working together.
Williams was a victim to the "Brits-only" rule being imposed on the films as revealed in an article on The Guardian. "But it was a British-only edict, and once he said no to Robin, he wasn't going to say yes to anybody else, that's for sure," as casting director Janet Hirshenson mentions.
Films have different rules that most actors hold with low regard. Issues like ageism and lack of diversity have always plagued films, and this issue seems to follow the same problem for artists.
Artists are used to getting denied with certain key roles, even actors as famous as Williams experience it. An article on GameSpot mentioned that he was also considered in "Little Miss Sunshine" which went to Steve Carell as well as a lead in the film "Milk."
When an actor does not get a role for various reasons, it is normal. However, if an actor does not get a role due to their nationality, that is a different story.
The part ultimately went to Robbie Coltrane who was JK Rowling's first choice. Though Coltrane did a stellar job on the role, Williams should have the same opportunity for a role "Harry Potter".
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
