A Harry Potter reboot is currently in development, and individuals from the Wizarding World are expressing their casting preferences for potential roles.
At MegaCon in Orlando, Florida, during a Harry Potter panel, Matthew Lewis and Jason Isaacs, original stars of the film series, discussed their views on the upcoming TV adaptation.
“They’re making a TV show, for those people that didn’t know,” Isaacs, known for his role as Lucius Malfoy, shared during the panel. The series is set to begin each season from the start of every book, with each of the seven books spanning a whole season. However, production delays occurred due to a prolonged strike.
Isaacs, 60, humorously suggested he’d portray Dobby the house elf, citing the simplicity of not needing makeup. Lewis, 34, took a more contemplative approach to the casting question.
“Gosh, I have no idea. It’s very difficult as well because everyone just did such a wonderful job,” said Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom. He added, “I genuinely don’t think there’s anyone that I would want to even attempt to play.”
Isaacs, also part of The White Lotus Season 3 cast, playfully teased Lewis by asking, “Who was the worst? Who was the weakest actor?” in a lighthearted manner.
Lewis, reflecting on the casting question, ruled out reprising Neville due to age. Choosing based on his initial reading, he disclosed that Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Remus Lupin would be his preferred role.
“The character I enjoyed was Professor Lupin,” Lewis expressed, acknowledging the exceptional portrayal by David Thewlis. Despite Thewlis being unbeatable in the role, Lewis shared, “If I was to have a go, that would be one that I’d do.”
The TV show was unveiled in April 2023 during a Warner Bros. Discovery presentation. Spanning the next decade, the “faithful adaptation” of the book series, with J.K. Rowling as an executive producer, aims to introduce Harry Potter’s magical world to new global audiences. According to a press release, each season will authentically explore the iconic books, as highlighted by Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content.
Rowling expressed in a statement, “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series.”
After the announcement of the first-ever scripted series in the Wizarding World, Daniel Radcliffe shared his thoughts on the possibility of returning to the story that catapulted him to fame.
Radcliffe, 33, mentioned to ComicBook.com in July, “My understanding is that they’re trying to very much start fresh, and I’m sure whoever is making them will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere.”
Radcliffe clarified, “I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way.” Despite that, he extended good wishes to the new cast, expressing excitement about the torch being passed. He stated, “I’m very excited to have that torch passed. But I don’t think it needs me to physically pass it.”
