More than 16,000 children in the U.S. and U.K. auditioned for the role of Harry Potter.
Ultimately, the went with Daniel Radcliffe, a 12-year-old kid at the time who had very little acting experience under his belt. Of course, 10+ years and 7 movies later, audiences couldn't imagine anyone else playing the part.
(source)
Strangely enough, Radcliffe found out that he got the role while he was in the bathtub.
