While the Harry Potter universe continues to expand, not everyone is eager to jump on the bandwagon for the latest project. Jared Harris, son of the original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris, has openly declined any interest in portraying the iconic wizard in the upcoming HBO Max series.
Despite the nostalgia and the significant fanbase eager for more magical content, Jared Harris, known for his roles in Mad Men, The Crown, and Chernobyl, expressed disinterest in revisiting the past. In a recent interview with The Independent, Harris voiced his reservations, stating, “No thank you,” to the idea of reprising his father’s role in the new adaptation. “I mean, why do it? I don’t understand. The films were fantastic — leave them alone,” he added.
The new Harry Potter series is taking shape under the creative direction of Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, His Dark Materials, and Killing Eve. With J.K. Rowling also onboard as an executive producer despite controversies, the series aims to be a “faithful adaptation” of the original novels, planning for seven seasons, each corresponding to one of the books. The series is slated for a 2026 release and will see Mark Mylod (The Menu) in the director’s chair for several episodes.
While Jared Harris may not see the value in revisiting the wizarding world for television, the series promises to delve deeper into the narrative, exploring storylines and details the films may have omitted. This depth is something even Harris acknowledges, noting the “lot of storytelling” left on the page.
The decision to recast the iconic roles has stirred various reactions among former cast members. Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the films, mentioned he was keen to return as Dumbledore but feels he needs a few more years before taking on the role of the aged wizard. Meanwhile, Daniel Radcliffe has stated he has no plans to return, emphasising the producers’ desire for a fresh start.
Warner Bros. Discovery, which announced the series adaptation in April 2023, has emphasised their commitment to a series that remains true to Rowling’s detailed universe, perhaps offering fans new interpretations of the beloved characters. As the Harry Potter world returns to the screen, it will be without some of its original stars, as new actors step into the roles once held by Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, bringing a new generation of magic to life.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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