Entertainment

Harry Potter Could Have Been Our New 'Spider-Man'

by Michelle Lulic

Harry Potter may be one of the most powerful wizards in terms of supernatural ability to survive near-death experiences, but even he couldn't change the minds of the mere Muggles behind Marvel's Cinematic Universe. In a new interview with U.K.'s Metro, Daniel Radcliffe revealed he wanted to play Spider-Man. The actor, who grew up before our very eyes in the role of Harry Potter in the titular films, could have led another franchise as yet another hero. Seriously, the idea that Harry Potter could have been Spider-Man is way too good to ignore.

Following his eight movie deal with Warner Brothers, Radcliffe actually had his sights on Stan Lee's web-slinging hero. “I would’ve been a good Spider-Man, but the boat has sailed on that," Radcliffe shared. I don't know what I like better: the fact that the actor is so confident that he would excel in the role or the fact that he is yet another supporter of the actor who landed the role instead. "I’m very happy to watch Tom Holland do it," Radcliffe continued, "He’s fantastic." Say it with me, guys: awwww.

Still, the idea of Harry Potter merging with Spider-Man sounds fantastic to me. Even though I love Tom Holland in the role of Spider-Man thus far — yes, even before the film has come out — it's hard to ignore some of the strict similarities that exist between the superhero and the Boy Who Lived.

With each new chapter, Harry Potter basically became a superhero in his own right. All he and Peter Parker wanted was to make the most out of the powers they were given, and they both embody that old adage that with great power comes great responsibility. Both stories center around a boy finding out he has unique abilities that set him apart from his peers and that he now needs to use to save the world from villains that he never knew existed. Spider-Man lost his parents to scientific causes; Harry Potter lost his parents to magical causes. Spider-Man loves the red-headed Mary Jane; Harry Potter loves the red-headed Ginny Weasley. Do I need to go on?

On the other hand, Radcliffe not playing Peter Parker is for the best, since, apparently, the usual Marvel movie deals were a tall order for the former Harry Potter star. “I’m not sure if I’d sign up for something that was another seven or eight films or ten years," said Radcliffe, "but a shorter franchise, yeah.”

Daniel Radcliffe doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, so missing out on the role of Spider-Man is no big loss for an actor as talented and in-demand as he is. Let Tom Holland enjoy the spotlight on this one. He deserves it.

Images: Warner Brothers Pictures; Giphy (2)