These Behind-the-Scenes Film Facts Give Us a Glimpse Into the Wild World of Cinema

Actor Sir Ian McKellen revealed that he turned down the role of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films after an alleged insult from Richard Harris, who played the character initially. During a 2017 interview, McKellen explained that he couldn’t accept a role previously held by an actor who disapproved of him. 

Harris had criticized McKellen, Derek Jacobi, and Kenneth Branagh as “technically brilliant, but passionless.” Michael Gambon ultimately took on the role and perfectly portrayed Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter movies. Following Gambon’s recent passing at 82, tributes poured in from co-stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.