Bellatrix Lestrange: The Harry Potter Role That Almost Belonged to Someone Else
Have you ever wondered what the Harry Potter film series would have been like if Helena Bonham Carter hadn’t portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange? Well, it turns out that another renowned actress was initially cast for the role before dropping out due to impending motherhood.
The Original Bellatrix: Helen McCrory
Although Helen McCrory had to step away from the role of Bellatrix Lestrange because of her pregnancy, she harbored no bitterness towards her replacement. In fact, she revealed that she built a strong friendship with Helena Bonham Carter, who eventually took on the role. McCrory also expressed her regret for not being a part of the Harry Potter franchise for a longer duration, given the fleeting appearance of her character, Narcissa.
Helena Bonham Carter’s Unique Portrayal
A crucial question remains: how would the Harry Potter films have been different if McCrory had portrayed Bellatrix? The answer comes from Bonham Carter herself, who shared her determination to infuse the character with a distinct and unexpected essence. With minimal defining characteristics in the script, the actress took it upon herself to breathe life into the pure-blood witch from the House of Black, aiming to make her appear more insane and unhinged than originally intended.
One of the most notable choices she made was the inclusion of crooked, rotten teeth, symbolizing the character’s lengthy imprisonment and adding to her savage demeanor. The corset she wore also contributed to her portrayal as a fierce and repulsive warrior, embodying the dual nature of the character. Such was the impact of these details on Bonham Carter that she ultimately chose to keep the rotted teeth as a memento from the Harry Potter set.