Jared Harris Declines Dumbledore Role in New Harry Potter Series

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Jared Harris, the son of the late Richard Harris who originally starred as Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, has declined to reprise his father’s iconic role in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.

The series aims to adapt each of J.K. Rowling‘s seven books into a season-long format, promising more in-depth storytelling than the original films.

Why Jared Harris Said No?

In a recent interview, Jared Harris expressed his disinterest in taking the role, stating simply, “No, thank you.

He further questioned the need for a reboot, saying, “The films were fantastic – leave them alone“. Despite his disinterest, Harris acknowledged that a TV series could explore more of the story left out of the films.

Casting and Production Details

HBO has launched a casting call for young actors to play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

The call is open to children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland. The series will begin filming in 2025 and aims for a 2026 release.

Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, known for Succession, are involved as showrunner and director, respectively.

Gary Oldman’s Interest

While Jared Harris has stepped away from the project, Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the original films, has shown interest in playing Dumbledore in the future. This adds a surprising twist to casting dynamics as the series progresses.

A New Era for Harry Potter Fans

The upcoming series promises to bring fresh perspectives and potentially new stars to the beloved franchise.

With its commitment to diverse casting and long storytelling formats, it aims to capture both old fans and new audiences alike.

What do you think about Jared Harris’s decision? Will this new series live up to the legacy of the original films?

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