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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Entertainment
Abbie Meehan

The forgotten A-list stars that appeared in the Harry Potter film franchise

Okay hands up and admit it - who still loves to binge-watch all eight of the Harry Potter movies?

These films have become nostalgic childhood comfort for many across the world, and there are theme parks, studio tours and even a walking tour in Edinburgh itself dedicated to this wonderful series.

If you asked any young kid who their favourite character was, most opt for the Golden Trio - Harry, Ron or Hermione - but the rebel streak in me would have to pick Professor Snape.

READ MORE - Tom Cruise's daughter's very normal life in UK after turning down penthouse

Listen, I love a damaged character arc!

So, let's take a look back on the cast of Harry Potter, and some of the forgotten celebrities in the Edinburgh-born franchise!

Matthew Lewis - Neville Longbottom

Young Matthew as Neville. (Warner Bros)

Everyone's favourite klutz and forgetful little soul, Neville had a 50 per cent chance of becoming the lightning-scarred boy Lord Voldemort craved to end so badly.

At the time of his birth, Neville was marked by a prophecy as being one of two children with the potential to defeat Lord Voldemort, the most powerful and feared Dark Wizard in the world.

However, Voldemort's first attempt to circumvent the prophecy by killing Neville's later friend and classmate Harry Potter, ultimately established Harry as Voldemort's nemesis.

The actor who plays Neville, Matthew Lewis, went through quite the glow-up during the filming of the show.

He looks totally different now! (Wikipedia)

Going from a short little boy with crooked teeth and messy hair, his physique in the later films shocked many fans, and had viewers swooning for the clumsy kid all grown up.

Most recently, Matthew has stared in a Channel 5 TV series, All Creatures Great and Small, which has gathered wide critical acclaim.

Evanna Lynch - Luna Lovegood

Evanna as the ditzy Luna Lovegood. (Warner Bros)

Evanna's story into the world of Harry Potter is a sentimental one, given that she was a huge fan of the books before she was cast as Luna Lovegood.

At the time of the casting, Evanna was struggling with a severe eating disorder, and often wrote to Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

The Irish actress was then cast as the ditzy Luna after waiting hours to audition, and became an iconic character for her caring personality and light-hearted nature - and also being crazy smart too!

As an loud and proud activist, Lynch advocates for veganism and animal rights.

She has been involved with several non-profit organisations and launched both a vegan-themed podcast and the cruelty-free cosmetics brand Kinder Beauty Box.

Evanna Lynch in Silent Witness. (BBC)

Ralph Fiennes - Lord Voldemort

Ah, here is the world's most hated villain! But, did you know who the actor was behind the prothesis and make-up?

Can you even believe that Mr Voldemort got his filming beginnings playing playing Heathcliff in Emily Brontë's 1992 Wuthering Heights? A heartthrob before his time as scaly character, He Who Must Not Be Named.

Ralph has starred in hundreds of hit films, with just some including 007 films Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die to name a few.

Other classics include The Grand Budapest Hotel, Maid in Manhattan, Strange Days and even Great Expectations!

He cleaned up well in his younger days! (iMDB)

Emma Thompson - Professor Trelawney

British actress and icon of the screen Emma Thompson actually had a rather minor part in Harry Potter, playing Professor Sybil Trelawney, master of Divination at Hogwarts.

Her most notable scene occurred when Professor Umbridge decided to kick her out of the school, and Professor McGonagall uttered those iconic words: "There are several things I would like to say!" - but one look sufficed from Minerva.

Emma is a stalwart of British film and beyond, with notable movies including Love Actually, Nanny McPhee, Angels in America, Brave and most recently, Cruella.

A stalwart of British television and film. (wikipedia)

David Tennant - Barty Crouch Jr

Now, the Tenth Doctor in Harry Potter? Surely not!

But yes, it is true, David John MacDonald, best known as David Tennant, portrayed Bartemius Crouch Junior in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The escaped prisoner looking especially creepy here! (Looper)

Barty Crouch Jr was an escaped Azkaban prisoner and loyal Death Eater to Lord Voldemort, who tried to do away with Harry in the Goblet of Fire film.

Thankfully, Dumbledore was on hand once again to save the day, and returned the slavery man to his prison cell surrounded by Dementors.

David is best known for his cheeky portrayal as the Tenth Doctor in the hit BBC show, but likes to remind people he has made a cameo in the Harry Potter series often!

Looking much kinder in this photo, David! (Submitted)

Imelda Staunton - Professor Umbridge

Now here is the REAL villain of Harry Potter - Professor Dolores Umbridge.

She easily became one of the most-hated characters in a short period of time, picking on every student possible and even branding Harry with a scar baring the words ' I must not tell lies'.

Harry got the last word however, as Umbridge begged him to tell the forest creatures of trolls and spiders that she meant them no harm.

All Harry had to say was "Sorry Professor, but I must not tell lies." An absolute serve, we must say!

Actress Imelda Staunton has portrayed more lovable characters in her film history thankfully, playing human rights activist Hefina Headon in the historical film Pride, and starred in the British comedy Finding Your Feet.

She also provided voiceovers in the films Chicken Run, Arthur Christmas, and Paddington.

Imelda played the character of Umbridge exceptionally well, we forgot she was actually pretending for a minute! (Warner Bros)

Robert Pattinson - Cedric Diggory

Now, a king of three fantastic films in the one actor - Robert Pattinson.

Robert portrayed Hufflepuff Cedric Diggory, who was eventual sacrifice to Lord Voldemort in fifth film, Goblet of Fire.

He was a good friend to Harry, and his untimely death was a turning point in the series to a darker arc.

Robert is best known for both his portrayal as Edward Cullen in the iconic Twilight series, and now as Bruce Wayne, Batman, in the new Batman film that was released in 2022.

He's Batman now, no longer a meekly Hufflepuff! (Twitter)

How many more actors can you name from the series that are underrated in their performances?

Comment them down below!

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