Michael Cera Rejected Harry Potter Spin-Off Over Fame Fears
Jun 24, 2025 4:45 PMMichael Cera revealed he was approached to join the Fantastic Beasts franchise but declined due to concerns about becoming "too famous." He commented on the potential for a long-term commitment, expressing a desire to control his exposure. Cera speculated he might have played a significant role, possibly that of Newt Scamander or Jacob Kowalski, both of which align with his comedic background. He mentioned he has since outgrown his fear of fame and would consider joining a big franchise now. With the Fantastic Beasts series in limbo, Warner Bros. is now focusing on a reboot of the beloved Harry Potter series for HBO.
Did Michael Cera turn down a role in the Harry Potter franchise?Yes, Michael Cera turned down an opportunity to star in the Fantastic Beasts franchise due to concerns about the commitment and the fame it would bring.
Fantastic Beasts is a prequel series set in the Harry Potter universe, exploring the magical world in the early 20th century. The franchise includes several films, but after a mixed reception and dwindling box office returns, it has been paused. The Harry Potter series is also making a comeback with a planned HBO TV show that aims to retell the original story with new actors, marking a significant shift for the franchise. With cast announcements already rolling out, fans are eager to see how this next chapter unfolds.
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Sephiroth commented on: 2025-06-24 17:52:09
It’s wild to think how different the Fantastic Beasts vibe could’ve been with Cera’s awkward charm—though honestly, the franchise’s messy trajectory might’ve been worse for his career than fame itself. Now that the Wizarding World’s hitting the reset button, maybe he’ll pop up in the HBO series as a delightfully random side character.
N3rdo commented on: 2025-06-24 17:46:11
Michael Cera dodging Fantastic Beasts to avoid fame is such an on-brand move for him—glad he’s finally cool with big franchises now that the Wizarding World’s doing a reset. HBO’s Harry Potter reboot might actually be the perfect fresh start for someone like him to jump in, if they ever need that signature awkward charm.
