Die-hard Harry Potter fans aren’t the only ones questioning the need for HBO’s new rebooted series, as Jared Harris, the son of Dumbledore himself, Richard Harris, has shared his similarly skeptical decision on the matter. Richard Harris was the original Dumbledore in Warner Bros.’ acclaimed movie franchise. Harris played the Hogwarts Headmaster in the first two movies, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After his passing in 2002, Michael Gambon took over the role, playing Dumbledore in all subsequent Harry Potter films.
Speaking to The Independent, Jared Harris weighed in on HBO’s upcoming reboot. Jared Harris was asked about potentially playing his father’s role in the new series. “No, thank you,” was the actor’s bluntly honest answer. The new series will adapt one book per season. While some fans are excited about the new series potentially exploring each book in more detail, a boon granted by the extended run times, the majority of fans believe the reboot is completely unnecessary. Jared Harris shares the same opinion as the wider fan base, saying:
“Also, I mean, why do it? I don’t understand. The films were fantastic – leave them alone.”
An acclaimed actor in his own right, Jared Harris has starred in Mad Men, Foundation, The Crown, The Terror, and HBO’s own Chernobyl — and earned Emmy nominations for his performances in Mad Men and Chernobyl. Sadly, Jared Harris didn’t make any kind of appearance or cameo in the Harry Potter movies alongside his father.
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Is Currently Casting Its Core Characters
HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is still in early development. At present, the series has tapped Francesca Gardiner (Succession) as its showrunner. Most importantly, HBO have put out an open casting call for the three leading characters, Harry Potter (formerly played by Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (formerly Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (formerly Emma Watson). As well as the backlash from fans about the very reboot itself, HBO also has to contend with the tidal wave of negative PR surrounding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. After countless transphobic comments, tweets, and donations to anti-LGBTQ+ groups, the author’s involvement in a Wizarding World related project usually hampers its financial potential — the Hogwarts Legacy video game was bombarded with criticism due to Rowling’s involvement.
With this in mind, surprisingly, J.K. Rowling will be directly involved in the new series. No doubt partly to counteract the inevitable backlash, HBO are promising “inclusive, diverse casting” for the new series. The full casting call reads:
“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. 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.”
No characters have been cast yet. However, the original cast has almost unanimously agreed that they won’t be making any cameos in the new series. The only actor interested in appearing in the new show is Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the movies. However, Oldman says he would like to play a new role in HBO’s series, and can see himself playing Dumbledore.
HBO’s
Harry Potter
reboot is speculated to be released in late 2026/early 2027.