Hugh Grant’s Lost Wizardry: 'Two Weeks Notice' Steered Him Away from 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'

In the fantastical world of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets', the flamboyant character of Gilderoy Lockhart could have been portrayed by none other than Hugh Grant. But a surprising turn of events, as reported by The Guardian, led to the award-winning actor swapping the wizarding world for a rom-com with Sandra Bullock called 'Two Weeks Notice'.

The Wizard That Almost Was

Hugh Grant was initially set to play the less-than-brilliant wizard, Gilderoy Lockhart. Despite the film's director, Chris Columbus, denying that Grant was being considered for the part, Grant's agent confirmed the news. "Sadly Hugh had to turn down the part because he's committed to doing a movie with Sandra Bullock next February," Grant's agent, Karin Smith, disclosed to the publication.

From Magic to Romance

At the time, 'Two Weeks Notice' was yet to start production and was an untitled project. Despite already beginning to prepare for the role of Lockhart, even dyeing his hair blonde, Grant decided to commit to the film alongside Bullock.

The Charm of 'Two Weeks Notice'

In the romantic comedy, Grant plays the handsome-and-needy billionaire real estate developer, George Wade, while Bullock portrays the intelligent lawyer, Lucy Kelson. This love story was directed by Marc Lawrence and was the pivotal project that redirected Grant's career path in 2002.

The Ultimate 'Chamber of Secrets' Cast

As fate would have it, the role of the flamboyantly vain and incompetent Gilderoy Lockhart in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' eventually went to Kenneth Branagh. With other actors including Alan Cumming and Rupert Everett considered for the part, it's still intriguing to consider how differently Hugh Grant might have brought Lockhart's character to life.

Looking back, Hugh Grant's choice to step away from Hogwarts to dwell in the world of romance turned out to be a major turning point in his career. But, let's be honest, it's hard to imagine anyone else but Branagh so brilliantly struggling to contain those pesky Cornish pixies.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)