James McAvoy revealed that he was offered “a large sum of money” to play a villain in Harry Potter before he became famous, but was flatly rejected because they said he had… body odor and wasn’t worthy of that amount!

James McAvoy once turned down a potentially career-changing offer in his early days in Hollywood. 

The X-Men star recently revealed that he was offered a role in the first Harry Potter film, along with a major paycheck, but ultimately decided to pursue more consistent work as a young actor.

During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, while promoting his latest film Speak No Evil, McAvoy was asked whether he would be interested in playing a Hogwarts teacher or appearing in a future Star Wars project.

The Scottish actor revealed that he was approached to play a young version of Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the character who later becomes known as the evil wizard Voldemort.

Mcavoy responded, “Almost, yeah, I can probably say this one. The very first movie, I think it was — who is the — is it Tom Riddle in the first one, yeah?”

“But he’s like in it… for like a scene in a flashback or something like that? And they had — I simply remember it was right in the beginning of my career,” he said.

However, the lucrative deal came with strings attached. McAvoy would have been required to sign a seven-month retainer, effectively preventing him from taking on other acting work during that period.

“I auditioned for it and I think they wanted to put me on a retainer. And they offered me something like – it was crazy,” he added.

“I’d hardly done any work – and me and I think maybe 10 other actors or something like that – they wanted to put us on retainer so that they could hold us and keep us to choose later.”

The offer came with a £40,000 paycheck, which was a massive sum for the then-unknown actor.

“For me, at that time, it was a ton of money, it was like £40,000 or something like that, and I’d done very little work,” he said.

Following the advice of his agent, Ruth Young, McAvoy made the bold decision to turn down the Harry Potter opportunity. Instead, he opted for a theatre role that paid considerably less – just £275 per week.

McAvoy has no regrets for turning down the opportunity. He believes the theatre experience was instrumental in shaping his craft and career direction.

“It was part of the making of me, and I actually got in acting work. I was actually learning and doing all that,” McAvoy stated.

When asked about potentially auditioning for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter television adaptation, McAvoy showed little interest.

He expressed satisfaction with his current career achievements.

He said, “I don’t know if there’s anything that I’m really missing in terms of what I’ve covered.”

“I don’t think I’ve done enough sci-fi, just because I love it,” he said, pointing to his role in 2003’s Children of Dune and the X-Men movies.

“I don’t think I’ve done enough comedy but I’ve been able to be funny in things that aren’t funny. Always trying to bring the gags.”

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
Source: USA Today

Related Posts

Featured Image

The forensic investigator looking into Anne Burrell’s passing shockingly discloses the reality about the substance AMT: “She suffered excruciating agony for thirty minutes prior to her passing.”

The forensic examiner looking into Anne Burrell’s demise disclosed the approximate time she died, verifying that the drug AMT was the reason: “She endured intense agony for…

Featured Image

Anne Burrell, the lively main personality of “Worst Cooks in America,” tragically died, leaving a disturbing scene filled with numerous pills…

The findings from the examination of famous chef Anne Burrell, 55, star of “Worst Cooks in America,” are surprising and unexpected, going against initial assumptions… Anne Burrell,…

Featured Image

Over 100 relatives were shocked next to Anne Burrell’s coffin in New York when a surprising revelation about her spouse came to light: “Now we see his real self.”

At Chef Anne Burrell’s Funeral, Over 100 Relatives Are Stunned by a Shocking Secret About Her Husband Next to the Casket, Prompting Whispers: “Now We See His…

Featured Image

What is the reason behind the extended duration of the autopsy procedure for renowned chef Anne Burrell, and what recent revelations have emerged regarding the circumstances of her passing?

After a Long Wait, the Cause of Death of Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell Has Finally Been Revealed Celebrity chef Anne Burrell’s unexpected passing shocked many in the…

Featured Image

SHOCKING: “Full House” star Candace Cameron Bure shares surprising news about her long-lasting marriage, revealing it is facing significant challenges after almost three decades.

Full House Star Candace Cameron Bure Drops Divorce Bombshell as She Admits to ‘Rough Season’ in Marriage Candace Cameron Bure, beloved for her iconic role as D.J….

Featured Image

What prompted Kelly Ripa to make a strong declaration to her 27-year-old son in New York: “I refuse to allow you to endure the stare that your mother gave you”?

Kelly Ripa Reacts to Her Son Michael’s Notable Plans to Change His Appearance: “I Won’t Allow You to Do That—Live True to the Look I Gave You.”…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *