Harry Potter Behind-the-Scenes Secrets (4 of 5)

Weasley Was a Rapper

Landing a massive part in the Harry Potter franchise wasn’t going to be easy. Hundreds of hopeful kids auditioned for a part, but the particularly coveted roles were that of the golden trio; Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You’ve got to really stand out if you want a shot at it, and Rupert Grint certainly did a great job of coming off as unique.

Who other than him would think to rap in an audition tape? It fits the character perfectly, we can imagine he really charmed the casting directors. Though we’re sure his little song wouldn’t top the charts in any decade, it was enough to land him the role.
  

Coldplay is the Saddest Music…According to Cho Chang

Cho Chang played a major part in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While she was introduced as Harry’s crush, and Cedric Diggory’s girlfriend, she really comes into her own as a character in the fifth film. Stricken by grief over the death of her boyfriend, she’s quite tearful in several scenes. Actress Katie Leung had a very interesting method for keeping the tears flowing.

Have you ever listened to The Scientist? That song always gets us emotional. Every actor has their own method of getting into character, and hers is definitely noteworthy. What music would you listen to if you had to turn on the waterworks?
  

No CGI Here

The Harry Potter universe is filled with fantastical elements that (unfortunately) don’t exist in our reality. The SFX team was really put to task when it came to realistically bringing the wizarding world to life. While many films rely on CGI to create fantasy creatures and settings, the Harry Potter crew wanted to use practical effects whenever possible.

But there are many other “real” effects used throughout the series. The Wizard Chess scene in the first movie is all real and moved mechanically. Wands that would illuminate at the end had special battery packs that would allow them to light up. Close-up shots of the Basilisk were done with animatronics! Did these elements make the magic feel more real?
  

It’s Just Juice

While wizards and witches dine on similar fare as us muggles, there are a few magical treats that only exist in the wizarding world. Chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans are a couple that comes to mind. But the most iconic would have to be Butterbeer, it’s seen in more than one film. But you can’t have actors getting boozy on set.

Apple juice doesn’t sound nearly as appetizing, but it will keep the actors sober. But fret not, if you ever wanted a taste of the real thing you can still get your hands on it. As expected, Harry Potter fans from around the web have come up with their own special recipes. Try one out and let us know how it tastes! 
  

The Road’s Blocked for Filming Again

For all of you who thought the Knight Bus was CGI, prepare to be proven wrong. The giant vehicle was actually created from three old London double-decker busses. Not only that, but the scenes of it speeding down the streets of London were absolutely real. It might’ve been a nuisance for residents, but hey, that’s the price you pay for magic!

While the scene of the bus squeezing between two cars is CGI, the rest is very much real. That’s a lot of effort to go through for one magical element, but it’s definitely worth the payoff. There’s a reason Prisoner of Azkaban is named as many people’s favorite Harry Potter film!
  

Don’t Mess with Perfection

Have you ever heard the term “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”? Well, that’s very much the case when it comes to Snape’s character design. Many people name Alan Rickman as the perfect choice for Snape. It’s hard to imagine the greasy wizard portrayed by anyone else, and it just might be the actor’s most memorable role.

Snape was so perfect from the get-go that no one thought he needed a wardrobe change. Those black robes suited him perfectly, and you just don’t mess with perfection. From Sorcerer’s Stone to Deathly Hallows, this professor brought our favorite fantasy series to life. Sadly, Alan Rickman passed away in 2016, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
  

That Wasn’t in the Script

Harry Potter fans piled into theaters to see the final installment of the series. If you’re anything like us, you were probably wearing ties with your house colors and witch’s hats to complete the look. The second half of the final film was one we will never forget, though there was one moment we think could’ve been left on the cutting room floor.

We weren’t the only ones who felt awkward about that hug! We wonder what possessed Ralph Fiennes to go in for that embrace. It almost feels like a moment from an uncomfortable family reunion. People meme’d the heck out of it when the movie first came out. It just might be the most awkward moment in the franchises’ history!
  

You’ve Gotta Be More Careful, Harry

Sometimes props get broken on set and need to be replaced. This, is especially true if you have young actors waving them around and/or using them as musical equipment. We guess those wands weren’t quite as sturdy as they looked. Or maybe Radcliffe is a very aggressive drummer. Either way, Ollivander’s must’ve gotten a lot of business because of this young wizard.

With the help of movie magic, Harry himself never had to switch out his original wand. But the one he holds in the final movie is far from the original he chooses in the first. Maybe you should’ve treated them just a little more delicately, Daniel!
  

Just a Quick Swap Out

Whether it’s a film or television series, actors getting recast is nothing new. Sometimes actors grow too old for a part, or they have scheduling conflicts that cause them to move onto another project. But Harry Potter was a franchise dedicated to keeping the same cast throughout the franchise. So what happened to Crabbe in the final film? Well, let’s just say the actor was involved in some funny business.

In 2009 the actor was arrested for growing illegal substances, this was shortly before Half-Blood Prince was released. He was promptly fired from the set, however, the character was required for one final scene in Deathly Hallows part 2. The solution? Replace Vincent Crabbe with Blaise Zabini.
  

More Screen Time For McGonagall!

Professor McGonagall was an important character in the films. She didn’t have as much screen time as her fellow co-stars but she certainly made her mark when she was on screen! Her powerful demeanor and stern look made for an excellent professor. It’s no wonder that J.K Rowling wanted her on screen as much as possible. As the writer of the books, it must’ve been difficult for her to work with the movie makers. 

While the overall story is the same, some of the film’s scenes were not in the original books. We’re glad she made sure the movies ended up doing justice to the characters in her books.