Harry Potter legend’s son begs ‘leave the films alone’ after TV reboot announced | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
The world of Harry Potter has not been short of controversy over the past years following author J. K. Rowling’s online antics and various members of the cast coming forward to criticise her for her stance on trans people. Now, it seems the drama continues, as the son of one of the wizarding world’s most beloved late actors has spoken out against the book’s latest adaptation.
It comes after a casting call was put out for children in the UK and Ireland who are between the ages of nine and 11 to join HBO’s new Harry Potter TV series, which is due to hit our screens in 2026.
The original movies, which starred Daniel Radcliffe in the leading role, were a huge success and have made the list of the highest-grossing films worldwide.
The first two films saw the late actor Richard Harris in the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, with the late Michael Gambon taking over for the other six films following his sad death in 2002.
Now, it seems Sirius Black actor Gary Oldman would be interested in playing Albus Dumbledore in the reboot, the son of the original actor has made it clear he would rather pass.
Asked about taking on his father’s old role, Jared Harris told The Independent: “No thank you.”
He continued: “I mean, why do it? I don’t understand. The films were fantastic — leave them alone.”
Meanwhile, Slow Horses actor Gary is ready to redeem himself as the Hogwarts headmaster after previously describing his work in the original Harry Potter films as “mediocre.”
He told IndieWire: “Maybe in a few years, I could do Dumbledore.”
Meanwhile, Jared would also be an obvious choice to take over his father, as he is a respected actor in his own right.
The star is probably best known for appearing in Chernobyl, as well as Mad Men and The Crown.
While he doesn’t seem interested in the role, he did concede that there was “a lot of storytelling” from the books left out of the films that the TV series can further explore.
The new Harry Potter series is said to be a “faithful adaptation” of the books, with J.K. Rowling being tapped to executive produce alongside showrunner, writer, and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, who is best known for her work on Succession, His Dark Materials and Killing Eve.
Mark Mylod, known for his work on Succession, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will also direct and executive produce.
The show is said to be running for seven seasons in line with each book of the franchise, with a 2026 release date in mind.
