How One Actor Missed His Shot At Appearing In ‘Harry Potter’ Thanks To One Rat And A Friendly Favor

One actor thought he was one rat away from becoming a Harry Potter extra, and then reality showed up with claws. Harry Lawtey tells the story like it’s a sitcom punchline, because it basically is: one minute he’s holding a rat, the next minute he’s being quietly sidelined while someone else gets the shot.

Here’s the messy part. During filming, the first AD spots Lawtey’s friend and calls them up, while Lawtey is left in the background because, somehow, he’s the “kid with the rat.” The scene still makes it into the final cut, but Lawtey’s friend gets the fame moment, and Harry gets the blurry crowd treatment.

And honestly, that’s only the beginning of his Industry glow-up.

Harry Lawtey serves life lessons in style!

photographed by Lewis Vorn

The whole “guys, we’re going for the first shot” moment with the first AD is where Harry Lawtey’s Potter dream basically got dropped like a prop rat.

“Quite literally a minute later, they were like, ‘Guys, we’re going for the first shot.’ And the first AD goes, ‘Who’s the kid with the rat?’” Lawtey, now rat-less, watched as his friend was ushered to the front of the shot while he was left in the background.

The scene ends in the final cut, and Harry’s friend gets his moment of fame while Harry remains just another blurry face in the crowd. Reflecting on the incident, Harry shares, “The moral of the story is to never give away a rat.” Wise words, indeed.

But Harry’s acting journey didn’t end with that rodent handover. In a recent interview with his Industry co-star Myha’la Herrold, Harry opened up about more than just his rodent regrets. 

They discussed the ins and outs of working on Industry, which has now claimed the coveted Sunday night slot on HBO. “It’s surreal to be part of something that has such a strong following now,” Harry noted, adding that he never expected the show to grow to its current success. 

The Power of Networking

The tale of Harry Lawtey’s missed opportunity highlights the crucial role of networking in the entertainment industry. Networking allows aspiring actors to build connections that may lead to auditions and roles, even in competitive environments like Hollywood.

Lawtey’s experience serves as a reminder that personal connections can influence career trajectories significantly. Aspiring actors can benefit from attending industry events and workshops to meet influential figures and fellow creatives, thereby expanding their professional network.

From holding rats to holding court on HBO’s Industry. Quite the glow-up, don’t you think?

photographed by Lewis Vorn

Then Lawtey watches his friend get ushered to the front of the frame, while he stays stuck as “another blurry face in the crowd.”

It’s like the friends who fought over splitting accommodation costs, then forced separate rooms on OP in this vacation cancellation AITA.

After that rat-fueled setback, he shifts gears and talks Industry with Myha’la Herrold, including how the show’s Sunday night HBO success still feels surreal.

With the addition of Game of Thrones star Kit Harington to the cast, it seems like Industry is gearing up for its most thrilling season yet.

Beyond the small screen, Harry also shared insights about his latest project, a film titled Mr. Burton, in which he portrays the legendary Richard Burton in his younger years. 

This role demanded a complete transformation, both physically and vocally, as he had to adopt a strong Welsh accent. For Harry, this film has been a labor of love and one of his most challenging roles to date.

And who knows? Maybe that rat was a lucky charm after all, paving the way for his breakthrough role in Industry. 

So, if you ever find yourself holding onto something—be it a rat or an opportunity—think twice before letting it go, no matter how unpleasant it may seem. You never know when the spotlight might come calling!

And with Kit Harington joining the cast, Lawtey’s story moves from “missed shot” to “bigger spotlight,” plus a new project called Mr. Burton where he plays Richard Burton as a younger man.

The story of Harry Lawtey missing out on a role in the legendary Harry Potter franchise due to a rat exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Losing such a coveted opportunity can undoubtedly lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, particularly in a competitive field where every audition counts. The psychological toll of rejection is significant, often sparking fears about one’s worth and potential. However, Lawtey’s journey highlights the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. Instead of succumbing to negativity, embracing self-compassion and reframing his experiences could transform this disappointment into motivation for future projects. The ability to view missed roles not as failures but as stepping stones is crucial for anyone navigating the highs and lows of acting.

The story of Harry Lawtey’s near-miss with the Harry Potter franchise is a vivid lesson that emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. While talent is paramount, the nuances of timing, connections, and even luck play significant roles in success. To improve future opportunities, aspiring actors should actively cultivate networks and seek feedback from mentors.

Reflection and adaptation are crucial components of learning. By embracing these elements, individuals can transform setbacks into stepping stones, ultimately leading to greater achievements in their careers.

He might have missed the Harry Potter shot, but one rat definitely didn’t stop his career from leveling up.

For another family blow-up, read why this sister got shut out of the baby shower over parenting criticism: excluding my critical sister from the baby shower.