While JK Rowling's casting rule helped Daniel Radcliffe secure the Harry Potter films, it took away Robin Williams' opportunity in the franchise.
The man who discovered Harry Potter – BBC News
When 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone hit the silver screen, it not only marked the start of Daniel Radcliffe's acting career and skyrocketing bank balance, but also brought audiences into a vibrant and whimsical new world. But what most people aren't aware of are the events behind the creation of the franchise.
One such anecdote tells the story of the casting of the Harry Potter films. When Steven Spielberg, the maestro of movie magic, was asked to direct the films, he had apparently chosen the young American talent Haley Joel Osment for the title role. Fortunately, JK Rowling established a strict rule that helped Daniel Radcliffe secure the role but ended up being a bane for Robin Williams.
Before Chris Columbus, it was Steven Spielberg who was originally approached by Warner Bros to helm the Harry Potter series. Although the filmmaker had later rejected the offer, he had initially shown some interest in the project. According to reports from The Telegraph, that's when Spielberg wanted to cast The Sixth Sense star Haley Joel Osment in the title role of Harry Potter.
