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Whether or not you prefer it or not, Harry Potter fever is sweeping Hollywood as soon as once more – this time because of a high-profile TV sequence that’ll take over screens for a decade.
HBO and Warner Bros are behind the brand new mission, which, in their very own phrases, is “drawing plenty of hearsay and hypothesis” about who will play the show’s primary characters.
The brand new sequence can be one other direct adaptation of JK Rowling’s e book franchise, with every e book comprising one season. Which means that a brand new batch of actors can be portraying roles beforehand performed by stars together with Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith.
Casting requires the three younger leads opened in September 2024, with unknowns set to turn out to be family names after being forged within the roles of Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
However well-known actors are being scouted for the older characters. No casting has been confirmed – however the hearsay mill is in overdrive. Listed here are the actors reportedly being touted for roles within the present.
Albus Dumbledore
On Wednesday (12 February), it was reported that John Lithgow was in final talks to play the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. If confirmed, this might imply that Mark Rylance, who was rumoured to be a favorite of producers, turned down the position.
Lithgow’s casting would additionally come after Gary Oldman, who performed Harry Potter’s godfather Sirius Black within the unique movie sequence, stated he would be up to playing the position. One other title that’s been bandied round is Mark Sturdy.
When The Impartial requested Jared Harris, son of unique Dumbledore star Richard Harris, if he’d be up for being within the present, he shared a less-than-enthused response.
Severus Snape
Different actors rumoured to play characters embrace Paapa Essiedu, star of Gangs of London, The Lazarus Challenge and The Seize, who’s reportedly within the operating for Severus Snape. Essiedu has carved himself out as one of the crucial engaging British rising stars lately, delivering standout turns each on display screen and stage (The Outdated Vic’s A Quantity and Lucy Prebble’s The Impact on the Nationwide Theatre.) It might be a disgrace to see Essiedu dedicated to such a long-running sequence – consider the roles he’d have to show down! – however he would make a savvy selection for arguably Potter’s finest character.

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Minerva McGonagall
The title reportedly in rivalry for the Transfiguration professor memorably performed by late Dame Maggie Smith is sensible the extra you consider it. Irish star Sharon Horgan, the star and creator of Unhealthy Sisters, is alleged to be the favorite to play the position – and he or she’d definitely make it her personal, sternly placing Potter and co of their place. However one other casting hearsay is Oscar-nominated star Rachel Weisz, whose casting would appear like extra of an try at securing a recognisable title.
Rubeus Hagrid
Probably the most weird casting hearsay is Brett Goldstein, the actor and author whose profile has risen significantly lately because of the success of Apple TV+ comedies Ted Lasso and Shrinking. In keeping with stories, Goldstein is being lined as much as play Rubeus Hagrid, the cuddly gameskeeper performed by the late Robbie Coltrane within the unique franchise.

Aunt Petunia Dursley
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is meant to be engaged on a bunch of new titles for Prime Video, nevertheless it looks like she may need to search out time to ensconce herself within the wizarding world. The Fleabag star has, based on insider DanielRPK, been supplied the position of Potter’s spiteful aunt, performed within the movies by Fiona Shaw.
Lord Voldemort
With a brand new Harry Potter present comes the necessity for a brand new Voldemort – and it’s been claimed that Oscar winner Cillian Murphy is being eyed for the position. The rumours grew to become so fervent that former Voldemort star Ralph Fiennes was requested for his views on whether or not Murphy could be a great successor – and he stated on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen: Cillian is a incredible actor. That’s an exquisite suggestion. I’d be all in favour of Cillian.” Nevertheless, it’s since been claimed that Murphy is being lined as much as play Professor Quirrell within the present’s first season, and never Voldemort.

Sirius Black
There’s much less stress on the casting of Sirius Black contemplating he doesn’t seem till e book three – which means his debut within the present is a good distance off. However this hasn’t stopped hypothesis that Ben Barnes will tackle the position of Harry’s godfather.
The Chronicles of Narnia and Shadow and Bone alum informed US Magazine of the rumours: It’s been occurring for 20 years that individuals have been very kindly saying that they might’ve preferred me to have performed a younger model of the Sirius Black character in Harry Potter, however now it’s been occurring so lengthy that I’m now the age of the particular character within the books. They’re books that I like and a minimum of half of my profession has been based mostly on literary diversifications that I’ve beloved. And [Harry Potter], I see no motive why it could be any completely different, however I haven’t spoken to anybody about it but.”
Molly Weasley/Ollivander
An individual claiming to be a TV insider on Reddit has alleged that Jessica Hynes and Peter Capaldi have each been contacted relating to brief time period availability for filming of the present, which can happen in summer time 2026. Whereas they famous it was unsure what roles, it’s been speculated that Jessica Hynes might play the Julie Walters position of Molly Weasley whereas former Physician Who Peter Capaldi might tackle wandmaker Ollivander, who was performed by John Harm within the movies.
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