Eddie Redmayne Could Join Harry Potter Way Before Fantastic Beasts Happened
Eddie Redmayne is an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films including The Theory of Everything, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Danish Girl.
However, before he landed the role of Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beast spin-off series, he auditioned for a rather surprising role in one of the previous Harry Potter movies. Which would have made his introduction to the wizarding world very different indeed.
During an interview with Empire, Redmayne revealed that while studying at university, he had auditioned for the role of Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets.
However, he recalls the audition did not go well at all, confessing he never even got a call back at the time.
He went on to say how after the failed audition, he had hoped he would get an opportunity to appear in the series again. Although, he considered himself more suited to the role of a member of the Weasley family due to his naturally red hair. However, it seemed he was always destined for a much more significant role instead.
Yet it cannot be helped but to wonder what Redmayne's version of Tom Riddle would have looked like. As the younger version of Lord Voldemort, he would have had to tap into the darker nature of the character; who is significantly different from Newt who he plays in the Fantastic Beasts.
As a powerful dark wizard who seeks to conquer the wizarding world, the character of Riddle is complex. One with layers of manipulation, ambition, and a tragic backstory. However, Redmayne has proved his ability with darker characters in the past. He was the main antagonist in Jupiter Ascending and has played a chilling version of real-life serial killer Charles Cullen more recently in the Netflix film The Good Nurse.
Eventually, the role of Tom Riddle went to Christian Coulson. And Redmayne didn't get the opportunity he initially wanted. We will never get to see his interpretation of Voldemort. We imagine he would have likely brought his distinctive traits of acting to the role. Bringing the bitter and twisted nature of the character to life with his calm but sinister delivery.
Redmayne's experience with auditioning for Tom Riddle serves as a reminder that the process of landing a role in a major film can be highly competitive. Even the most talented actors may not always get the part they want. But for Redmayne, it ultimately led to him getting the role of Newt Scamander.
Ever since then, Redmayne's career has been on an upward trajectory. He has received multiple awards and nominations for his performances, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.
He continues to be a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood, and his experience auditioning for Tom Riddle was a valuable learning experience that, in the end, helped him to become the accomplished actor he is today.