Jared Harris has recently ignited conversations among fans with his candid remarks about the impending Harry Potter reboot, specifically concerning the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore. Being the son of Richard Harris, who originally portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, Jared Harris has made it crystal clear that he has no intention of donning the wizard’s robes his father once wore.
Jared Harris Denies Playing Dumbledore, Questions the Need for Harry Potter Reboot
As fans gear up for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series on HBO and MAX, Jared Harris has firmly declined the possibility of stepping into the role of Albus Dumbledore. Talking to The Independent in their Go to Bat series, Harris shut down the rumor with a resolute “No, thank you.” He didn’t stop there; Harris went on to question the very idea of the reboot, expressing confusion over its necessity. “The films were fantastic – leave them alone,” he remarked, encapsulating the sentiments of many fans who cherish the original movies.
Despite his reservations, Harris acknowledges that a TV series format could explore aspects of J.K. Rowling’s magical world that the films left untouched. Under the leadership of showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod, the new series aims to adapt one of Rowling’s books per season. This ambitious project promises to delve deeper into the rich storytelling of the Harry Potter universe. Casting calls are currently underway for the main characters: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. These calls are targeted specifically at children aged 9 to 11 from the U.K. and Ireland.
As a brief historical note, Richard Harris famously played Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Sadly, he passed away in 2002, and the role was subsequently taken over by Michael Gambon. Gambon continued as Dumbledore until his own passing in 2023, leaving the character’s portrayal open for new interpretations.
Interestingly, while Jared Harris has opted out, another veteran from the Harry Potter films seems more open to the idea. Gary Oldman, who portrayed Sirius Black, has hinted at the possibility of playing Dumbledore “maybe in a few years.” This revelation, shared via Deadline, has added another layer of intrigue to the casting speculation surrounding the reboot.
The new Harry Potter series is expected to debut in 2026, and as production ramps up, fans await more updates with bated breath. Until then, debates and discussions about casting choices and the necessity of a reboot will undoubtedly continue to capture the imaginations of Potterheads worldwide.
Closing Credits
While Jared Harris firmly opts out and questions the need for a reboot, the Harry Potter TV series for HBO and MAX progresses under the helm of an adept creative team. With new casting calls and a promise of richer storytelling, the series is slated for a 2026 release, ensuring that fans, at least for now, have something magical to look forward to.
