We often wonder what a vicious villain would like in a positive, and loving role. But the idea of seeing Vecna in a positive role in Harry Potter sounds a bit alien, doesn’t it? Jamie Campbell Bower almost brought the idea into reality when he was considered for these roles.

Even since we saw Vecna appear in season 4 of Stranger Things, the creature has been haunting everyone. But this character is only an addition to the list of his roles as a protagonist, including playing young Grindelwald in Harry Potter. However, in a parallel world, he would’ve been the protagonist instead, and here is how.

How Jamie Campbell Bower had a hit-and-miss for a major Harry Potter role

While Jamie’s role as Vecna has been exceptional in Stranger Things, he made a confession recently. The actor revealed in a podcast how he lost playing the lead wizard in Harry Potter. “It’s a really dirty joke,” he was quoted while explaining how he lost the role. It all began when Jamie was only a kid. Harry Potter director Christopher Columbus went on an exploration to find his Harry.

He visited a school where Bowers was a student, and added him to a bunch of his potential leads. Upon meeting the director in London, he was asked to tell a joke. But Poor Jamie’s dirty joke explained Why Fairy sits on top of the Christmas Tree. Hint: Because it’s up someone’s bottom. Needless to say, the joke was one of the reasons that also brought his chances of leading, to the bottom.

But he did end up playing Gellert Grindelwald exceptionally well in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Bower also reprised the same role in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

And while we are sure that Bower would have been great as Harry, Daniel Radcliffe was certainly made for that role. Also, Stranger Things is one of the rare OTT series that could match the success level of the Harry Potter series. So while the actor may have missed out on THE role, his skills have led to his undeniable success. Thankfully, we will get to see Bower return one last time as Vecna in Stranger Things Season 5. Are you excited?