Alan Cumming Told 'Harry Potter' Producers to 'F--- Right Off' Over Casting Salary Dispute

Photo: Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Alan Cumming got close to casting spells in one of the most popular film franchises of all time.

The five-time Emmy Award nominee, 56, recently revealed why he turned down the role of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in 2002’sHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second installment in the beloved series. “I didn’t turn it down,” he clarified toThe Telegraph. “Itold them to f— off!”

“They wanted me andRupert Everettto do a screen test, and they said they couldn’t pay me more than a certain sum, they just didn’t have any more money in the budget,” Cumming recounted. “And I had the same agent as Rupert, who of course, they were going to pay more. Blatantly lying, stupidly lying, as well. Like, if you’re going to lie, be clever about it.”

Ultimately, the role of the ill-fated Hogwarts professor didn’t go to either Cumming or Everett, butKenneth Branagh. The part was also offered toHugh Grant, but heturned it downto film the 2002 romantic comedyTwo Weeks NoticewithSandra Bullock.

“I said, tell them to f— right off,” Cumming said. “And thought, well Rupert’s going to get the part. They made him screen test, and I remember he brought his own wig. And then they f—ing gave it to Kenneth Branagh, came out of the shadows.”

Cumming defended the animated royal satire toThe Telegraph. When asked if the Royal Family would find the show funny, he responded, “I don’t know. If they appreciate satire, they might… It’s quite tender, actually – my character with George, it’s a really lovely relationship. It’s not as mean as people think.”

source: people.com