The rumor mill is working overtime about HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” reboot series. One thing we can confirm is Jared Harris (“Mad Men”), son of late actor Richard Harris, will NOT be taking on the role of Dumbledore.
In a recent interview with The Independent, Jared revealed that he had been approached for the role. He responded with; “No, thank you.” “Also, I mean, why do it? I don’t understand,” he added. “The films were fantastic – leave them alone.”
However, Jared did concede that films left out “a lot of storytelling” from the J.K. Rowling novels they are based on. Which a series adaptation should provide the runtime to correct. Given that each season of the show will cover one of the books.
His father first took on the role of Dumbledore in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and reprised it in 2002’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” Becoming his final role before he passed away in October of 2002. Actor Michael Gambon took over the part for the rest of the film franchise.
Casting “Harry Potter”
It is being reported that casting for the series three leads Harry, Ron, and Hermione is already underway. The call is seeking children who will be between the ages of nine and eleven by April 2025. They also must be residents of the U.K. and Ireland.
“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” the casting call reads. “For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.”
[We are sure the loud push for inclusivity regardless of gender identity has nothing to do with Rowling’s incredibly vocal and regressive views towards the trans community.]
The “Harry Potter” series will have Francesca Gardiner as showrunner, with Mark Mylod attached as an executive producer and director for multiple episodes. The duo have previously worked together on the HBO series “Succession.”
HBO’s “Harry Potter” series is slated to debut on HBO and Max sometime in 2026. We’ll keep you posted on updates about the project as it develops.
