Official Plot Synopsis

In this enchanting film adaptation of J.K. Rowling`s delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. He learns the high-flying sport of Quidditch and plays a thrilling game with living chess pieces on his way to face a Dark Wizard bent on destroying him. For the most extraordinary adventure, see you on Platform 9 3/4!

Cast

J.K. Rowling personally insisted that the cast be kept British. Susie Figgis was appointed as casting director, working with both Columbus and Rowling in auditioning the lead roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione. Open casting calls were held for the main three roles, with only British children being considered. The principal auditions took place in three parts, with those auditioning having to read a page from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, then if called back, they had to improvise a scene of the students' arrival at Hogwarts, they were then given several pages from the script to read in front of Columbus. Scenes from Columbus' script for the 1985 film Young Sherlock Holmes were also used in auditions. On July 11, 2000 Figgis left production, complaining that Columbus did not consider any of the thousands of children they had auditioned "worthy". On August 8, 2000, the virtually unknown Daniel Radcliffe and the newcomers Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were selected from thousands of auditioning children to play the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively.

  • Daniel Radcliffe stars as Harry Potter. Columbus had wanted Daniel for the role since he saw him in the BBC's production of David Copperfield, before the open casting sessions had taken place, but had been told by Figgis that his protective parents would not allow their son to take the part. Columbus explained that his persistence in giving Radcliffe the role was responsible for Figgis' resignation. Dan was asked to audition in 2000, when Heyman and Kloves met him and his parents at a production of Stones in His Pockets in London. Heyman and Columbus successfully managed to convince Radcliffe's parents that their son would be protected from media intrusion, and they agreed to let him play Harry. Rowling approved of Dan's casting, stating that "having seen [his] screen test I don't think Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry."
  • Rupert Grint plays Ron Weasley. At 13 years old, Rupert was the oldest actor of the trio. He decided he would be perfect for the part "because [he has got] ginger hair," and was a fan of the series. Having seen a Newsround report about the open casting he sent in a video of himself rapping about how he wished to receive the part. His attempt was successful as the casting team asked for a meeting with him.
  • Emma Watson plays Hermione Granger. Impressed with her school play performances, Emma's Oxford theatre teacher passed her name on to the casting agents. Emma took her audition seriously, but "never really thought [she] had any chance of getting the role." The producers were impressed by her self-confidence and she outperformed the thousands of other girls who had applied. Rowling was supportive of her from her first screen test.
  • Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. Harris initially rejected the role of Dumbledore, only to reverse his decision after his granddaughter stated she would never speak to him again if he did not take it.
  • Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid. Coltrane was Rowling's first choice for the part. Coltrane, who was already a fan of the books, prepared for the role by talking with Rowling about Hagrid's past and future.
  • Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
  • Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall
  • Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
  • Ian Hart as Professor Quirrell
  • Richard Griffiths as Vernon Dursley
  • Fiona Shaw as Petunia Dursley
  • Harry Melling as Dudley Dursley
  • John Hurt as Mr Ollivander
  • Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom
  • Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick
  • John Cleese as Nearly Headless Nick
  • Julie Walters as Molly Weasley
  • Richard Bremmer as Lord Voldemort

Rik Mayall was cast in the role of Peeves, having to shout his lines off camera during takes, but the scene ended up being cut from the film.