James McAvoy recently disclosed that he was offered a substantial sum to appear in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone before he gained widespread fame. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast on September 13, the 45-year-old actor shared insights into his early career choices and the unexpected offer he received.
McAvoy recounted how he was on the cusp of joining the iconic franchise. “I was nearly in the first Harry Potter film,” he revealed. “I remember auditioning for a role in a flashback scene, possibly related to Tom Riddle.” The role in question was not specified, but McAvoy recalled that it was an early career opportunity.
At that stage of his career, McAvoy was offered an impressive sum for an actor with limited experience. “They wanted to put me on a retainer with a financial offer that seemed huge to me at the time—around £40,000,” he said. “It was a lot of money for someone who had barely done any work.”
However, the offer came with a catch: McAvoy would have been unable to work for about seven months due to the retainer clause. His agent, Ruth Young, advised him against accepting the offer, suggesting he pursue other opportunities instead.
McAvoy recounted, “I ended up doing a play where I faced some challenging moments, including being booed by a homophobic audience member. I was paid £275 a week, but it was a crucial part of my development as an actor.”
When asked if he would be interested in a role in the upcoming HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter series, McAvoy expressed reluctance. “I don’t think I’m missing out on much,” he said. “I’m more interested in exploring different genres. I love sci-fi and comedy, and I’ve enjoyed blending humor into roles that aren’t necessarily comedic.”
Despite the missed opportunity, McAvoy’s career has flourished, showcasing his versatility across various genres, including sci-fi in Children of Dune and the X-Men series.