The Chamber of Secrets is the second novel in the Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling. It was published in 1998, and the movie adaptation was released in 2002. The story follows Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
In the film, he discovers the existence of the Chamber of Secrets, a hidden chamber within the school that holds a dangerous secret. While the book and the movie cover the main plot points, there are some untold stories that fans may not know about.
1. Vladimir Putin Inspired Dobby the Elf's Character
Dobby the Elf is a beloved character in the Harry Potter series. It is the same elf Harry "freed" by giving it a sock, making it a free elf. However, many fans may not know that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, inspired his character.
J.K. Rowling has stated that she based Dobby's appearance on Putin's, as she found the Russian leader's "sinister and striking" look to be a perfect fit for the character. However, she also stated that Putin's political views had nothing to do with Dobby's character.
2. Eddie Redmayne Wanted to Play Tom Riddle
Eddie Redmayne is a well-known actor, best known for his role as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts movie series. However, he had his sights set on a different role in the Harry Potter franchise. In an interview, Redmayne revealed that he had auditioned for the role.
However, he ultimately lost the part to Christian Coulson. Redmayne stated that he was thrilled to be a part of the Potter universe in any capacity, but it is interesting to think about what the movie would have been like with a young Eddie Redmayne as the infamous Tom Riddle.
3. The Movie References Home Alone
The Chamber of Secrets movie has many memorable scenes, but one that stands out is the battle between Harry and Ron against Weasley's mischievous twins, Fred and George. The scene occurs in the Weasley's home, protected by magical booby traps.
Fans of the Home Alone movie series may recognize some similarities between the two movies, as both feature young protagonists defending their homes against would-be intruders. Director Chris Columbus has confirmed that the Home Alone movies greatly influenced the scene.
4. The "Chamber of Secrets" is the Biggest Set in the Franchise
The Harry Potter movies are known for their elaborate sets and impressive special effects. However, the "Chamber of Secrets" set is the most extensive set in the franchise. The set was built to be a full-scale replica of the Chamber of Secrets.
The set is complete with a giant stone snake and a massive basilisk, which took over six months to build and was so large that it had to be filmed in four separate sections. The set was a massive undertaking, but bringing the Chamber of Secrets to life on the big screen was worth it.
5. It Ranks as the Longest Movie in Runtime
Last but not least, the Chamber of Secrets movie ranks as the longest movie in the Harry Potter franchise in terms of runtime—the movie clocks in at 161 minutes, 2 hours, and 41 minutes. The long runtime allowed for more of J.K. Rowling's story to be adapted to the screen, and fans could see more of their favorite characters in action. While the movie's length may have been a challenge for some viewers, it is undoubtedly an impressive feat of filmmaking.
Conclusion
The Chamber of Secrets is a beloved installment in the Harry Potter franchise, and these untold stories only add to its charm. From Dobby's Putin-inspired appearance to the massive Chamber of Secrets set, there is always something new to discover in the wizarding world. Whether a diehard fan or a casual viewer, these untold stories will make you appreciate the movie even more.
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