Harry Potter Cast Then And Now. How Fast the Night Changes!
If you were a young kid in the early 2000s, chances are you have experienced the magic of at least one of the Harry Potter movies. Whether you have seen only one of them or all, the Harry Potter movies marked a significant point in pop culture references to this day. You either became a huge fan or a casual viewer. But, whatever the case, you were definitely aware of the movie franchise. Well, you grew up, which means the characters also did. So, have you ever wondered what they are up to nowadays? We have the answer for you! Here is a list of the Harry Potter cast then and now.
Harry Potter Cast Then and Now
Here is what some of your favorite characters look like today:
1. Daniel Radcliffe – Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe gained worldwide fame for his iconic portrayal of Harry Potter, the central character in the immensely popular book and film series. He began his acting career at a young age and had a notable early role in “The Tailor of Panama” (2001), starring alongside Pierce Brosnan and Jamie Lee Curtis, just a few months before the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (also known as “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in some regions) in 2001.
2. Rupert Grint – Ron Weasley
Similar to Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint’s role as Ron Weasley was a major highlight in his early acting career. His debut in the world of cinema was with the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001), the first film in the Harry Potter series. Grint’s performance as Ron Weasley garnered him a strong fan following and established him as a talented actor.
3. Emma Watson – Hermione Granger
Much like her co-stars, Watson continued to evolve as an actress while being part of the Harry Potter franchise. She demonstrated her acting skills throughout the series, making Hermione an iconic character in the world of literature and cinema. Following the conclusion of the Harry Potter films, Emma Watson pursued a variety of acting projects, emphasizing her commitment to taking on diverse and challenging roles.
4. Tom Felton – Draco Malfoy
Following the conclusion of the Harry Potter series, Tom Felton continued to pursue his acting career with a variety of roles in film and television. Felton took on roles in various films post-Harry Potter. One notable example was his role in the 2018 sci-fi film “Origin Unknown.” He also appeared in the 2019 war film “A Guide to Second Date Sex.”
5. Matthew Lewis – Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis, best known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series, had been active in the entertainment industry, taking on various projects. He continued to act in film roles after his time as Neville Longbottom. Afterward, he appeared in a range of movies, including “Me Before You” (2016), a romantic drama film, and “Terminal” (2018), a neo-noir thriller. Lewis also made appearances on television series. He had a role in the British TV series “Ripper Street” and appeared in episodes of “Death in Paradise” and “Happy Valley.”
6. Robert Pattinson – Cedric Diggory
Robert Pattinson had a diverse career in both mainstream and independent cinema, moving beyond his role as Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter film series. He became a household name with his role as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” film series, based on the popular vampire-themed novels by Stephenie Meyer. The series, which began in 2008, propelled him to international stardom. He then gained critical acclaim for his work in independent films. Notable projects included his role in “Cosmopolis” (2012) and “Good Time” (2017), which showcased his versatility as an actor.
7. Ralph Fiennes – Voldemort
Ralph Fiennes is a British actor known for his portrayal of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series. He is a highly respected actor in the film industry, known not only for his role as Voldemort but also for his work in numerous other films and on stage. Some of his notable film roles included performances in “Schindler’s List,” “The English Patient,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and “The Constant Gardener,” among others. He has received critical acclaim and awards for his acting throughout his career.
8. Evanna Lynch – Luna Lovegood
Evanna Lynch is a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and became well-known for her dedication to the series. Her portrayal of the quirky and endearing character Luna Lovegood in the films was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
After the Harry Potter film series concluded, Evanna Lynch continued to pursue her acting career. She appeared in various film, television, and theater productions. Some of her notable projects include “My Name Is Emily (2015)” where she played Emily, a teenager on a quest to find her long-lost father, “Dynamite: A Cautionary Tale”, as well as “Disco Pigs”.
9. Katie Leung – Cho Chang
Katie Leung was born on August 8, 1987, in Motherwell, Scotland. She made her film debut as Cho Chang in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005) and continued to play the role in subsequent Harry Potter films. After her role in the Harry Potter series, Katie Leung continued to pursue her acting career. She appeared in various film, television, and theater productions. Some of her works are “Wild Swans” which is a television drama adaptation of the memoir by Jung Chang, in which she played a prominent role, “Run”, “One Child”, and “The Foreigner” with Jackie Chan.
10. Nagini – Claudia Kim
Claudia Kim is a South Korean actress who portrayed the character Nagini in the Harry Potter film series, specifically in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” which was released in 2018. Nagini is a complex character who is a Maledictus, a person with a blood curse that eventually transforms her into a snake. After her appearance in “Fantastic Beasts,” Claudia Kim continued to pursue her acting career. She appeared in other projects, including roles in television dramas and films in South Korea. She also appeared in the Netflix series “The School Nurse Files” in 2020.
11. Dobby – Toby Jones
Toby Jones is a highly regarded British actor known for his work in both film and television. He has portrayed a wide range of characters and is known for his exceptional talent. In addition to voicing Dobby in the Harry Potter films, he has taken on various roles in notable productions, such as: “The Mist”, “The Hunger Games”, and even “Infamous”.
12. Sirius Black – Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman played the character Sirius Black, a pivotal figure in the Harry Potter series. Sirius is Harry Potter’s godfather and a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Oldman’s portrayal of Sirius received critical acclaim for its depth and complexity. Additionally, he played Commissioner James Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman films and portrayed Count Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel.
13. Dumbledore – Michael Gambon
Michael Gambon was born on October 19, 1940, in Dublin, Ireland. He began his acting career in the theater and later transitioned to film and television. Michael Gambon took on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore, the beloved headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, after the passing of actor Richard Harris. Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore in the latter films of the series was warmly received by fans and critics. He has sadly now passed away on September 28, 2023.
14. Sorting Hat – Leslie Phillips
Leslie Phillips, known for his distinctive and recognizable voice, was chosen to provide the voice for the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films. The Sorting Hat is a crucial and recurring magical object in the series, as it determines the house placement for new students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Phillips’s voice work for the Sorting Hat added character and charm to this magical object.
15. Remus Lupin – David Thewlis
David Thewlis is a British actor known for his portrayal of Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter film series. Lupin is a skilled wizard and a former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thewlis’s performance as Lupin was widely praised by fans and critics. His other work is quite diverse, with him playing Dennis Sciama in this biographical drama about Stephen Hawking, and received critical acclaim for his role as Johnny in “Naked”, directed by Mike Leigh.
Who was your favorite character in the franchise? And who had the best glow-up on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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