Hugh Grant Originally Considered for Gilderoy Lockhart Role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

nnIt was a surprising choice to cast Grant as Lockhart, known for his wit and charm in romantic comedies like Notting Hill. Unfortunately, Grant had to pass on the opportunity to play the famous wizard at Hogwarts as he had already committed to another film. Grant had signed on to star alongside Sandra Bullock in the romantic comedy Two Weeks Notice, which went on to be a box office success in 2003, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

nnEven though fans of Grant may have been disappointed to miss out on seeing him in the role of Lockhart, Branagh's performance was nothing short of brilliant. His portrayal of the narcissistic and bumbling professor added a new dimension to the character, and he quickly became a fan favorite in the Harry Potter franchise.nnOne thing fans can be grateful for is that they were spared the sight of Grant with bleached blonde hair.

In preparation for the role, Grant had dyed his hair blonde, but ultimately never ended up portraying Lockhart on screen. The image of a blonde Grant may have been a strange sight for fans more accustomed to his signature dark locks.nnFor those looking to revisit the Harry Potter films, HBO Max offers all of the movies for streaming, while Pathé Thuis provides the option to rent or purchase them for viewing.

Whether you're a fan of Grant, Branagh, or the magical world of Harry Potter, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy these beloved films.