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Updated 13 January 2003, 15.27 
You seem really chuffed with the first two Harry Potter films. For a change, Hollywood didn't mess around and set it in America.
All the parts are played by British actors, and this has made the films more like how you imagined them.
But we have had loads of emails and messages from kids from all over the world complaining that this isn't fair.
They want the same chance as British kids at being in the films.
What do you think? Should people who live in other countries be allowed in the films? Or would a non-British accent ruin Hogwarts?
 I totally understand what the British are saying and really respect their feelings. I am half-British and think that if they have one or two Americans in the movie it doesnt really make a difference. Like, you say that we have "Americanized" some movies in Hollywood. That was Hollywood, not the actors and actresses that want a go in the films as well. I think all that matters is the actor or actress and their talent. Everyone makes it sound so separated, like we are totally different people and should be kept separated. I don't feel this way, I mean we obviously all love the books and are all fans, so why is it any different? Just as long as everyone wants to stay true to the books and try to support the movies and make them the best they can be, I don't feel it makes much of a difference. Rena, 13, USA
You wouldn't want a Japanese or German or Thai person playing Harry, would you? No, because they aren't British! Well, neither are Americans so why do they think they have an excuse. They're not British, full stop. Lily, 13, Surrey
I don't think it is fair because people from the other countries really want to be in the movie, and some of them actually have British accent. Right now, I am living in Korea, and also I used to live in UK and I know how to speak in British accent. I have dark hair and I want to get the part Cho! It's like everybody else, how they feel is, to be in the movie. I think it should be fair to cast people from all over the world. Riley, 11, San Francisco, USA
In my opinion, the actor or actress should not have to be from Britain. It also may not make a difference because not all British citizens have the accent. However, JK Rowling's wishes are to have an all-British cast so I respect that. Tiffany, 14, San Francisco, USA
I think if someone could play the part well then I don't see the problem in the actor's nationality. After all..this is about acting. Playing a role that doesn't represent yourself but somebody else. Tracie, 16, Malaysia
Hey I really think it is fair for only British kids to star in the Harry Potter movies because if like a USA kid came on the movie and tried to act like a British person I think it would sound really bad. Anyway it is filmed in England! And the book was made in England! And I think it is really fair for only Brits to act. But it would still be cool to be in the movies. because I would really like to be but sorry I ain't a Brit i am a Aussie all the way :) Michelle, 14, Melbourne, Australia
I think it is fair because if you want authenticity then you will need the proper accented actors. You could get an American actor to do it (like Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider) but it just wouldn't be the same, I tell you - IT WOULDN'T!! Chris, 15, Colchester
This is a British school, and the characters are British, so the actors should be British. In the 4th book, you will have a Bulgarian (maybe) school and a French school and these parts should be played by Bulgarian and French people, and that's it. Hélène, 15, Nantes, France
I think it's not fair. Really! I believe that loads of children outside England have acting talent too! Just play a part, sound and act British! That's about it!! Rahasia, 13, Jakarta
Well, I'm an Asian. I do care about all this British and non-British actors in the Harry Potter's movies. I've read all the books. I think it should be a British actor in the movies, this is because the scene, the way they talk...it's just like the British...I dont want to side anyone, just the logic is there...;) Farah, 15, Kuala Lumpur
I think that children from other countries should have a chance on the Harry Potter films. Why should Britain get all the fun. Rebekkah, 14, Adelaide, Australia
It's usually always American kids who think they have a divine right to star in the Potter movies. Well, I'm sorry but they don't! If JKR suddenly introduces an exchange student from the US, then they have a case, but I'm afraid it's tough luck other than that! Hogwarts is a British school and it's only right that British actors play the main roles. It maintains realism, and it gives the UK a chance to showcase some of its best acting talent. Deal with it!
Claudette, 15, London
It was one of JKR's wishes to have an all-British cast, so it should stay that way. Loads of brilliant books have already been ruined by being 'Americanised' by Hollywood.
Kimberly, 16, Gloucester
It isn't fair because it's really exculding people who could have a good chance at something. For all you know, there could be the perfect actor or actress in the US, Turkey, Spain, Russia, anywhere! But I do agree that the books are British and before the movies came out I pictured everyone speaking with British accents. I don't think it sounds racist, but I do think it is very unfair and wrong.
Liz, 14, USA
If you can put on a British accent and act British, who will know the difference?
Lisa, 11, Wigan
I really wanted to be in a Harry Potter movie, but when I read that you had to be British I got really upset. I mean, if you are only an extra, you don't talk so it doesn't matter if you're British or not.
Michelle, 13, Strongsville USA
I am glad that there are just British people acting because I think that the Americans think that they are the only people who can make films. I think it is good to give British people a chance to show what they are capable of.
Richard, 9, Coleraine
I think if you can act, it doesn't matter where you come from.
Nicola, 14, Armadale
If people are going to complain they should wait until the 4th Harry Potter film, when all the different schools come to Hogwarts. Then everyone will get a chance.
Jessy, 16, Newcastle
I think if you can look like the character, act like the character and speak like the character, then you've got the part. Samantha, 12, Sutton
I think it's not fair, everybody shoud be a part of the magic and the fun. Thomas, 9, USA
If you have talent in acting then I think anyone, no matter what nationality, should be allowed the chance to act in any film. Hollie, 13, Aberdeen
I think that if J.K. Rowling says she wants an all British cast, then that's what she should get. It's her story, it's her book ...... She's the boss !!! Dave, 13, London
Well, Hogwarts is an English school, right? So you wouldn't really see Americans going there, it's such a long way away! Hazel, 11, Wolverhampton
Yes I think only British kids should be allowed in Harry Potter because it is what J.K.Rowling asked for and we should respect her wishes. Lucy, 12, Ipswich
I really don't think this is fair! I think every single person on this planet is a uniqe induvidual, so if they have the talent let them do it! Rachel, 10, Uckfield
I think it is fair because it's set in England and so few films are made in the UK with British actors. Alexandra, 12, Horley
If you speak very good English, like the English, you should get a part. Lisanne, 14, Holland
It may sound harsh, but Harry Potter is a British film and it should stick to it. Bringing kids from other countries will destroy it. I don't see many films from the USA or other countries casting many of British kids, do you? Robert, 12, Wrexham
I think it is very fair. If you started putting Americans in the films, then Hogwarts would turn into an American High School. People who put on accents always sound rubbish and it would just ruin Harry Potter for me. Sarah, 15, Grimsby
If you're from the British Isles you should definitely be allowed to act in Harry Potter. If you're from somewhere out of the British Isles then you shouldn't be allowed, it's just makes the movies feel less real, and isn't that the whole point of the movie? Beth, 14, Canada
J K Rowling said she wanted an all-British cast. If that's what she wants that's how it should be! It's all down to her because we wouldn't have these great movies if she hadn't invented Harry! Laura, 13, Southampton
If you are a good actress or actor then it shouldn't matter but the director had to go by J.K's wishes. Paula, 13, Scotland
I can see why they only want British people in the film. But they should let anyone with a GOOD British accent in. Radoyka, 13, Leicester
I think if you can sound and act British, then you should get a part, no matter where you come from. Nita, 13, Chester
Unfortunately this topic is now closed but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat index.
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