Harry Potter Cast Then And Now

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) Then

Image Source: The Guardian

The Boy Who Lived. Throughout the franchise, Harry Potter comes to be one of the most famous wizards of all time. We discover early that the main antagonist within the franchise, Voldemort killed Harry's parents when he was a baby as a result of a prophecy which named him as one of two characters to have the power to defeat him. As expected, the franchise ends with Harry defeating Voldemort.

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) Now

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Daniel Radcliffe portrayed Potter all the way through the series end in 2011. Following this he decided to further challenge himself across a multitude of genres; Horror (The Woman in Black and Victor Frankenstein), Thriller (Imperium and Kill Your Darlings) and Comedy (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Trainwreck). Besides this, Radcliffe has also worked in Broadway with appearances in Merrily We Roll Along and The Lifespan of a Fact.

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) Then

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Hermione was the smartest one of the main trio of protagonists in the series, and also part of Gryffindor. Although initially appearing as a know-it-all, almost infuriating Ron and Harry they become friends following her taking the blame for the troll incident. She played a significant role in a number of the battles during the second wizarding war, helping defeat the Death Eater that tortured her, Bellatrix Lestrange. She also assisted Harry in the destruction of the Horcruxes, alongside Ron, her future Husband. We all shipped it.

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) Now

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Hermione was Watson's first professional acting role, and like Radcliffe she continued this role until 2011. Her first big role away from Harry Potter came in the critically acclaimed Perks of Being a Wallflower as Sam.  Her most recognised role away from the franchise definitely came in Disney's live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast in 2017 where she starred as Belle. Away from the acting industry, she is also a UN appointed ambassador advocating for gender equality.

Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) Then

Image Source: Wizarding World

Ron Weasley is the youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley, and the sixth to go to Hogwarts. He was the final part of that golden trio and assisted Harry with many challenges including rescuing his sister, Ginny, from the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. He also joined Harry and Hermione during what was supposed to be their last year at Hogwarts to destroy the horcruxes. During the Battle of Hogwarts, his brother Fred was killed, devastating him and his family.

Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) Now

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Following the Harry Potter franchise, Grint didn't appear in much for a handful of years, with his most notable being opposite Shia LeBouef in The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman. Since 2017 however, Grint has began appearing on our screens more often. Firstly, opposite Nick Frost and Lindsay Lohan in Sick Note and then as Charlie in the Sony original Snatch. Since 2019, he has starred in the Apple TV horror series Servant, achieving critical success.

James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) Then

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Fred and George are the twins of the Weasley family, and they are often seen to be up to no good, specifically in the opening films of the series. Fred is typically seen to be the more dominant of the twins, and is unfortunately killed in an explosion during the Battle of Hogwarts. George named his child after Fred in his memory. They both owned Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) Now

Image Source: E! Online

Since the end of the franchise, most of the work the twins have done, unsurprisingly has come together; appearing in Danny and the Human Zoo and 7 Days: The Story of Blind Dave Heeley. Perhaps their most notable role would have been in the star-studded Last Night in Soho, although this was just a minor role. James has appeared in slightly more roles, but only small shorts that haven't received much attention. He is also slated to appear in a handful of films releasing this year.

Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) Then

Image Source: Looper

Throughout the films, Albus Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts, and constantly aids the golden trio in their quests (he also challenges them when they step over the mark). Without Dumbledore it is likely that Voldemort may have won the Second Wizarding War; he formed the second Order of the Phoenix and was one of the only wizards that Voldemort truly feared. He planned his own death, alongside Snape, all part of the manipulations that led to the fall of Voldemort.

Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) Now

Image Source: Metro UK

Gambon took on the role of Dumbledore following the unfortunate death of Richard Harris, first appearing in the Prisoner of Azkaban. As you may expect, Gambon has appeared in over a hundred different productions and he actually retired from acting as a result of illness in 2019. His most well-known roles since Harry Potter include: Uncle Pastuzo in Paddington, Winston Churchill in Churchill's Secret, Arthur in Kingsman The Golden Circle and his final role on our screens was a small appearance in Cordelia. He also tried his hand at video game voice acting, voicing The Prophet in the Skyrim series.

Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) Then

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He who must not be named, Lord Voldemort, was one of the most powerful dark wizards, and the main antagonist throughout the films. He is trapped in a shell for the opening films as a result of his attempt to kill a baby Harry Potter, until the end of the Goblet of Fire when we see him regain his physical form. He ultimately died as a result of his own backfiring curse, following Harry's destruction of the Horcruxes. Avada Kedavra!

Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) Now

Image Source: New York Theater

Following Harry Potter, Ralph has made a number of appearances in critically acclaimed films, including as Gareth (and then taking over from Judi Dench as M) in the James Bond franchise for three films between 2012 and 2018. He gained nominations and probably a lot of fans for his role as Gustave in the 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel. Other notable appearances include The King's Man and The Menu.

Alan Rickman (Severus Snape) Then

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I guess Snape could be described as an Anti-hero within the Harry Potter universe, playing a double life between being part of the Order of the Phoenix and as a Death Eater. His love for Harry's Mother, who was killed at the hands of Voldemort, led to him turning his back on he who must not be named. He killed Dumbledore, at his own request, part of an elaborate plan formed by the latter. He is killed by Voldemort, who believes he had the elder wand, although it was indeed Harry who possessed it.

Alan Rickman (Severus Snape) Now

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Alan Rickman was a giant within the film industry; he unfortunately passed away in 2016. Prior to the Potter films, Rickman had already made a name for himself in Robin Hood, and as Hans Gruber in the original Die Hard. Coinciding with Harry Potter, he also starred in the popular Christmas Rom-Com, Love Actually as Emma Thompson's idiotic husband. He appeared posthumously in Eye in the Sky and Alice Through the Looking Glass; both were dedicated to him. A true great, taken before he was really finished in the industry.

 Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)

Image Source: Looper

Neville is initially seen as a clumsy, almost useless wizard and is used as comic relief in the opening films; often he is seen as the butt of the joke. He later became a member of Dumbledore's Army and fought in a number of battles including the Battle of Hogwarts. Neville actually destroyed the final Horcrux by beheading Nagini, and refused Voldemort's offer to become a Death Eater. Unsurprising when you know that Voldemort's partner Bellatrix had a hand in the deaths of his parents.

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)

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Following Deathly Hallows Part 2, Lewis proceeded to appear on British Television a handful of times. His next notable role in film was opposite Emilia Clarke, as her husband (again as comedic relief mostly) before returning to brief television roles. Following this, he guest appeared as a replacement for Sal in an episode of Impractical Jokers. Most recently he appeared in the Taika Waititi directed Baby Done in 2020.

Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid) Then

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Rubeus Hagrid is the large, fun-loving groundskeeper at Hogwarts; he is the first person to inform Harry he is a wizard in what has become an internet meme. You're a wizard Harry. He is imprisoned wrongfully in Azkaban, as the Chamber of Secrets is reopened, something he was blamed for during his time as a student. Hagrid remains part of the main cast through to the final film, being part of the Battle of Hogwarts where his outburst following the 'fake death' of Harry towards the centaurs forced them to join the battle where Voldemort finally fell.

Robbie Coltrane

Image Source: IMDb

Coltrane made a name for himself as a comedy actor in popular shows like Blackadder and The Young Ones. He also appeared opposite Eric Idle in Nuns on the Run in 1990. Just prior to Harry Potter he also appeared in the James Bond film GoldenEye. Following the franchise, he voiced roles in the popular animated films Arthur Christmas and Brave (Yes he really is a Scot). Unfortunately, Robbie Coltrane died in late 2022 following a long struggle with illness. Rest in Peace.

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) Then

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Draco Malfoy was the son of Death Eater Lucius Malfoy, and he was brought up to look down on half-bloods and muggles; and is Harry Potter's arch enemy, especially in the opening films. He was forced to become a Death Eater himself but failed to kill Dumbledore and only completed his tasks reluctantly. Despite not killing Dumbledore, he did assist the Death Eaters in entering the school grounds. His reluctance to defy Voldemort as well as his reluctance to complete the tasks set to him nearly killed him twice, and he was actually saved by the golden trio both times.

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) Now

Image Source: Stylist

Following Harry Potter, Felton's first appearance came in the Horror movie The Apparition. The next year he starred opposite Elizabeth Olsen in Therese which received mixed reviews. He also featured for a season of The CW's The Flash series as Doctor Alchemy. Since 2022 he has been appearing in the West End (the UK'S Broadway) and released a memoir about his life in the Harry Potter movies.

Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) Then

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Possibly one of the most sadistic and loyal followers of Lord Voldemort, Bellatrix Lestrange was one of the most dangerous of the Death Eaters. She was imprisoned in Azkaban following the torturing of Neville's parents who were driven insane, she escaped during the mass breakout after Voldemort's return to form. During the many battles, she made it her mission to kill relatives of the Order of the Phoenix; she succeeded twice killing Nymphadora and Sirius Black ( she also killed Dobby!!). She was the last of the Death Eaters to remain standing and was killed by Molly Weasley.

Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) Now

Image Source: Boston Herald

Following her appearance in the final four Harry Potter films, Helena Bonham Carter had starring roles as Miss Havisham in Great Expectations and Madame Thenardier in the film adaptation of Les Miserables. She has made a number of high profile appearances in popular movies and television shows including: The Lone Ranger, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Ocean's Eight, Enola Holmes and The Crown. She most recently appeared in the British TV biopic (fictionalised slightly) Nolly.

Gary Oldman (Sirius Black) Then

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Sirius was one of the marauders alongside Peter Pettigrew, James Potter and Lupin. Following Pettigrew's betrayal of the Potters he made it his mission to avenge them, although Peter framed him for this task and for his own fake death. He escaped Azkaban and revealed to Lupin and Harry that it was Pettigrew who betrayed them. He rejoined the Order of the Phoenix following Voldemort's return but was killed by Bellatrix in the Battle of Department Mysteries.

Gary Oldman (Sirius Black) Now

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Gary Oldman was already recognised worldwide before Harry Potter, and since has appeared concurrently with Harry Potter as Commissioner Gordon in The Dark Knight series. Since the end of his role as Black, Oldman has continued to make critically acclaimed performances in: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Child 44 and The Hitman's Bodyguard. Did you know, for this role Oldman suffered from nicotine poisoning as a result of smoking an excessive amount of Cuban Cigars.

Brendan Gleeson (Mad Eye Moody) Then

Image Source: Wizarding World

Mad-Eye was hired as a Defence against the Dark Arts professor by Dumbledore, but was kidnapped by Death Eater Barty Crouch who assumed his position in order to kidnap Harry Potter. He also re-joined the Order of the Phoenix following his rescue and proceeded to play his part in a number of battles. He died during the Battle of Seven Potters, when Mundungus disapparated leaving Moody vulnerable to attack, and he was killed by Voldemort, falling to his death from his broomstick.

Brendan Gleeson (Mad-Eye Moody) Now

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In obscure circumstances, Gleeson is the third of the Harry Potter actors to have portrayed Winston Churchill on our screens, for which he won an Emmy. Since Part One of Deathly Hallows, Gleeson has continued to appear on our screens with roles in The Smurfs 2, Cavalry and Edge of Tomorrow. He recently appeared in The Banshees of Inisherin opposite Colin Farrell for which he has been nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for this role.

Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) Then

Image Source: Wizarding World

Luna joined Dumbledore's army during The Order of the Phoenix film, and became a valued member of the group, despite being called Loony Lovegood for her quirky nature. When Hogwarts became controlled by Snape and Voldemort, she co-led the group. As a result of her Father, Xenophillus being the editor of the Quibbler, and portraying different political expressions, she was abducted by Death Eaters and held ransom. She was eventually freed by Dobby and fought in the final battle of the war.

Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) Now

Image Source: The Stage

Since the culmination of Harry Potter, Evanna Lynch has had a handful of well-known roles in the UK. She made an appearance alongside the Phelps twins in Danny and the Human Zoo, and also played the titular character in My Name is Emily. Over on our screens, she appeared in 2019's season of Dancing with the Stars on ABC where she placed third. She also currently hosts her own podcast, Just Beings.

Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall) Then

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Minerva McGonagall was the Head of Gryffindor House and the Transfiguration professor. When Dolores Umbridge began imposing herself on Hogwarts, McGonagall was often seen opposing her views and rulings. She fought alongside the Order of the Phoenix against Voldemort fighting in the Battle of Hogwarts. She survived the war and we find out she became the headmistress following the war.

Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall) Now

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Maggie Smith is a veteran of the film and television industry, first appearing on the screen in 1952. Much of her early career came in the theater scene where she gained international acclaim for roles in Richard III and Macbeth. She even won a Tony for Lettice and Lovage in 1990. She became a fan favourite in the popular British series Downton Abbey as Violet Crawley, where she won three Emmys and a Golden Globe for her role. She also appeared in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel; despite now being 88 she still appears on our screens, most recently in the 2022 Downton Abbey film. She will appear in two projects throughout 2023!