10 Great Harry Potter Characters That We Never Got To See On Screen

Like the house elves, ghosts also got a raw deal when it came to the films. John Cleese appeared as Nearly Headless Nick for Philosopher's Stone and Chamber Of Secrets, but disappeared from existence (alongside the likes of Leslie Phillips' Sorting Hat and Fred and George's friend Lee Jordan) when the transition from Chris Columbus to Alfonso Cuaron was made.

After that, the only ghost scene of note was the interaction between Harry and the Grey Lady in Deathly Hallows, which was required to establish her identity as Helena Ravenclaw and the existence of her sister's diadem as a Horcrux.

Peeves is not a ghost per se, rather a poltergeist that inhabits Hogwarts and is a source of irritation to all of those around him, controllable only by Dumbledore and the Bloody Baron. The contempt he is held in by Filch is a regular source of comedy, whilst his begrudging respect for Fred and George Weasley when he honours their request to give Umbridge hell is the ultimate testament to their abilities as pranksters.

Rik Mayall was cast as Peeves for the film version of Philosopher's Stone. On paper, this was perfect casting, given Mayall's renown for violent slapstick comedy in the likes of The Young Ones and Bottom, as well as his appearances as the scene-stealing Flashheart in Blackadder.

The role that could've brought the now-late Mayall to the attention of a new generation was sadly left on the cutting room floor, however.