The Harry Potter role JK Rowling turned down and other things you never knew about the films

Most muggles would have jumped at the chance to appear in one of the Harry Potter movies - just not JK Rowling.

The author of the wildly successful book series was offered the role of Harry's mum but wasn't interested.

She later said: "The filmmakers did ask me to play Lily Potter in the first film, but I really am not cut out to be an actress, even one who just has to stand there and wave. I would have messed it up somehow."

The character, who was instead played by Geraldine Somerville, first appears in the magical Mirror of Erised in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - which celebrates the 15th anniversary of its cinematic release this week.

Here are some other little-known facts about the first film in the series:

1. Hedwig was cast before Harry

Apparently, it's much easier to find a superstar owl than young boy. Ook the owl was cast as Harry's companion before Daniel Radcliffe got the call up.

2. Daniel Radcliffe was allergic to his famous 'Harry' glasses

At first, Radcliffe was made to wear green contact lenses so his eyes would look like Harry's. The idea was binned when he had a severe allergic reaction to them. That wasn't an option with his glasses - despite them giving him whiteheads around his eyes, he clearly needed to endure it as Harry wouldn't be Harry without spectacles.

3. It was nearly an animated film - starring Haley Joel Osmond

During the very early planning stages, Steven Spielberg was attached to the movie and he wanted it to be an animation.

The famous director even planned to combine a few of the Harry Potter books into one movie, and Sixth Sense star Haley Joel Osmond was keen to voice The Boy Who Lived.

However, he concept was vetoed by then-president of Warner Bros.

4. Robin Williams wanted to play Hagrid

Robin Williams was keen to play oversized gamekeeper Hagrid, but unfortunately for him, Rowling insisted on every member of cast (almost) being British.

At the time, Williams said: "There were a couple of parts I would have wanted to play, but there was a ban on American actors..... Maybe one day. Say if [Harry] goes to Yale and becomes president."

Tragically, the comedian died in 2014 - a few years' shy of the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which is set in 1920s New York.

The role of Hagrid eventually went to Robbie Coltrane, who said yes mostly because his kids wanted him to do it.

5. Rupert Grint got his job by rapping while dressed as a woman

You have to hand it to him - 10-year-old Rupert Grint had a very creative flair. For some reason, he auditioned with a rap, while dressed as his female schoolteacher after seeing an ad for the casting during BBC children's news program, Newsround. Luckily, it worked, and he became Ron Weasley.

6. Hermione had a crush on Malfoy

At least, Emma Watson fancied the actor who played him, Tom Felton. The young white-haired villain won a lot of girls' hearts when the movie was released - including Watson's. Some years later, she revealed that her "12-year-old self would say yes" if given the chance to kiss him.