HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV sequence continues to be in early pre-production, however one identify has already emerged for one in every of its most vital roles.
According to a Variety article on Monday, British actor and playwright Mark Rylance is “on the prime of the casting wishlist” to play Albus Dumbledore within the sequence. It’s a reasonably prestigious choose for the present; amongst Rylance’s accolades are an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards.
Still, we must always warning that casting for this function actually does appear to be within the wishlist stage. Variety’s report says HBO hasn’t even begun negotiations with Rylance, solely that the community has reached out to his camp to gauge curiosity. For its half, HBO issued the next assertion to Variety:
“We recognize that such a excessive profile sequence will draw loads of rumor and hypothesis. As we make our means by way of pre-production, we are going to solely verify particulars as we finalize offers.”
HBO’s proper about one factor: that is solely the start of what’s going to be a casting course of doubtless surrounded by hypothesis and rumors. In September, HBO posted an open casting name to search out baby actors for the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, which additionally appeared to verify that filming would begin round spring 2025.
Outside of the Golden Trio, Dumbledore is little question probably the most well-known Harry Potter roles to fill. The Hogwarts headmaster was initially performed by Richard Harris within the first two movies, with Michael Gambon moving into the function after Harris’ demise in 2002. Recently, Richard Harris’ son, actor Jared Harris, threw chilly water on the concept he would play Dumbledore within the present, telling The Independent, “I imply, why do it? I do not perceive. The movies have been incredible. Leave them alone.”
Despite that time, Warner Bros. appears to have loads of large plans for the sequence, particularly within the wake of Hogwarts Legacy’s huge success on the video games aspect. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment management not too long ago revealed that Hogwarts Legacy 2, a significant precedence for the studio, will embrace some “big-picture storytelling” components that connect with the HBO present.
All that being stated, the Harry Potter TV present actually is nonetheless early within the growth course of, so it will be awhile till we begin getting extra strong updates. But now we have gotten just a few teases right here and there, together with a Warner Bros. govt’s current feedback that it will be capable of discover the Wizarding World “extra in depth” than the movie sequence did.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing leisure reporting. When she’s not writing or enhancing, you could find her studying fantasy novels or enjoying Dungeons & Dragons.
