Fifteen years ago, the famous fantasy series about a young wizard named Harry Potter, created by author J.K. Rowling, officially debuted on the big screen with the release of the first film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” At that time, actor Daniel Radcliffe was just an 11-year-old boy with little acting experience.
Since then, many things have changed dramatically. Now, Radcliffe is a globally recognized actor, actively participating in both theater and film projects. However, he is not the only one to have undergone significant changes; many of his fellow Hogwarts classmates and teachers are also making their mark in various media and continue to contribute to renowned films.
On this occasion, let’s take a look back at the cast of “Harry Potter” and see how they have evolved over the years:
Then: Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, the famous young wizard Harry Potter.
Now: Radcliffe’s career spans both stage and film, participating in numerous projects such as “Kill Your Darlings” and “Trainwreck.” In 2016, he was honored with a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame” while also featuring in “Swiss Army Man,” “Now You See Me 2,” and “Imperium.”
Then: Rupert Grint as Harry’s best friend, Ron Weasley.
Now: Grint has continued his career on Broadway and in film, participating in notable projects such as “Into the White,” “CBGB,” and “Moonwalkers.” Currently, he is both a producer and actor in the series “Snatch.”
Then: Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, the intelligent witch with bushy hair.
Now: Watson continues to excel in her acting career with notable films like “The Bling Ring” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” She also portrayed Belle in the 2017 film “Beauty and the Beast” and was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014.
Then: Maggie Smith as the stern Professor Minerva McGonagall at Hogwarts School.
Now: Smith is one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood and continues to act, featuring in series and films like “Downton Abbey,” “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” and “Becoming Jane.”
Then: Tom Felton was known for causing trouble for Harry as Draco Malfoy.
Now: Felton continues to act, featuring in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011) and recently appeared in the superhero series “The Flash” on The CW.
Then: Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper and half-giant at Hogwarts.
Now: Coltrane played Mr. Jaggers in the film “The Expectations” (2012) and lent his voice to Lord Dingwall in Disney’s animated feature “Brave.”
Then: David Bradley as Argus Filch, the disliked caretaker of Hogwarts.
Now: Bradley appeared in “Game of Thrones” as Walder Frey, a notorious character known for his treachery.
Then: Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape, a deeply complex character.
Now: Tragically, he passed away in January 2016 at the age of 69, leaving a legacy as one of the most respected actors.
Then: Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom, the clumsy but brave Gryffindor student.
Now: Lewis has completely transformed and has starred in several series such as “Bluestone 42,” “Happy Valley,” and “Ripper Street.”
Then: Michael Gambon took over the role from Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts starting from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
Now: Gambon has participated in various film and television projects, including “The Casual Vacancy” and “Fortitude.”
Then: Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney, the Divination professor at Hogwarts.
Now: She is one of the most influential actresses in Hollywood, and she will participate in “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) as Mrs. Potts.
Then: Gary Oldman portrayed Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather.
Now: Oldman has continued his illustrious career, featuring in major films like “The Dark Knight,” “RoboCop,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and portrayed Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour” (2017).
Then: Alfred Enoch played Dean Thomas, a loyal Gryffindor student.
Now: Enoch currently stars in the ABC series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Then: Brendan Gleeson as the Auror “Mad-Eye” Moody, a seasoned fighter against darkness.
Now: Gleeson has maintained his acting career, contributing to “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014), “Suffragette” (2015), and will soon appear in “Paddington 2” (2017).
Then: Domhnall Gleeson, son of Brendan Gleeson, also appeared in the “Harry Potter” series as Bill Weasley.
Now: Domhnall has become a rising star with roles in “Ex Machina” and “The Revenant,” and also featured in the new “Star Wars” film series.
Then: Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, a notorious dark wizard.
Now: The actor has received an Oscar nomination for his significant roles in films such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014) and voiced M in “Spectre.” In 2016, Fiennes starred in “Hail, Caesar!” and will lend his voice to Alfred in “The Lego Batman Movie” (2017).
Then: Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory, who faced a tragic fate during the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
Now: Pattinson gained fame for his role as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” series and has starred in various independent films such as “Water for Elephants” and “Remember Me.”
Then: Frank Dilane as Tom Riddle, who would eventually become Lord Voldemort.
Now: Dilane plays Nick Clark in the TV series “Fear the Walking Dead” and has appeared in “In the Heart of the Sea.”
Then: David Thewlis as Remus Lupin, a kind-hearted werewolf.
Now: Thewlis appeared in the Oscar-winning film “The Theory of Everything” (2014) and will be featured in the superhero film “Wonder Woman” (2017).
Then: Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, the formidable Death Eater.
Now: In 2010, Bonham Carter was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth in “The King’s Speech.” In 2016, she reprised her role as the Red Queen in “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and is currently involved in the project “Ocean’s Eight.”
Then: Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick and the goblin Griphook.
Now: Fans can see Davis in the role of Wollivan in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” He will also appear in “Rogue One” and the new “Star Wars” film in 2017.
According to Business Insider
