Original Dumbledore Actor’s Son Questions HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ TV Reboot: ‘Why Do It? The Films Were Fantastic. Leave Them Alone.’

As a movie critic with over two decades of film industry experience under my belt, I must say that Jared Harris’ decision to decline the offer to play Dumbledore in the upcoming “Harry Potter” series on HBO and Max is a shrewd move. Given his illustrious career in films such as “Mad Men,” “Chernobyl,” and “The Terror,” it is apparent that he seeks roles that allow him to stretch his acting muscles rather than step into the shadow of his late, legendary father Richard Harris.


Jared Harris, who is Richard Harris’ son and was initially considered for the role of Dumbledore in HBO and Max’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television series, has declined the offer. During an interview on The Independent’s show “Go to Bat,” he politely turned down the part by saying, “No, thank you.

Additionally, I’m just curious, what’s the point? I can’t comprehend,” Jared remarked. “The movies were superb – let’s not tamper with them.

Jared has no intention of assuming his father’s cherished position in the “Harry Potter” saga, despite confessing to a magazine that there was significant narrative content missing from the initial film adaptations, which can now be explored due to the extended running time of the HBO series. Each season will correspond to one of Rowling’s books. The “Succession,” “His Dark Materials,” and “Killing Eve” producer, Francesca Gardiner, is overseeing the new “Harry Potter” series as its showrunner. In addition, Mark Mylod, a colleague from “Succession,” has been appointed as an executive producer and will direct several episodes.

In the year 2001, Richard Harris first portrayed Dumbledore in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and he reappeared as the character in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in 2002. Tragically, this was to be his final acting role, as Richard Harris passed away in October of that same year at the age of 72. For the remainder of the film series, Michael Gambon stepped into the role of Dumbledore.

Although Jared isn’t keen on portraying Dumbledore, “Harry Potter” actor Gary Oldman has expressed interest in taking on the role of the wizard at some point in the future. Notably, Oldman previously played Sirius Black in the movie series.

Recently, it has been announced that auditions for the main characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the upcoming show have begun. They are seeking young talents aged 9-11 as of April 2025 who are based in the UK or Ireland. The casting call welcomes applicants from all racial backgrounds, ethnicities, and gender identities.

In our approach, we prioritize a wide range of talent for each role, regardless of ethnicity, sex, physical ability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor legally protected. Please send us qualified candidates who reflect this commitment to diversity.

The “Harry Potter” television series is targeting a 2026 debut on HBO and Max.

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2024-09-24 01:16