The Harry Potter franchise is once again under the spotlight, this time with HBO’s announced TV series reboot. However, not everyone is thrilled about the idea. Jared Harris, son of original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris, has publicly questioned the decision.
Jared Harris Questions HBO’s Reboot Decision
In a recent interview, Harris expressed his skepticism about the reboot. “Why do it? The films were fantastic – leave them alone,” he stated. Harris’s comments highlight the challenges of revamping a beloved franchise.
The original Harry Potter films, released between 2001 and 2011, were critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Richard Harris’s iconic portrayal of Dumbledore in the first two films (2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and 2002’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”) left an indelible mark on the franchise. Michael Gambon took over the role after Harris’s passing in 2002.
HBO’s Reboot Strategy
Despite Harris’s reservations, HBO is moving forward with the reboot. Francesca Gardiner (“Succession,” “His Dark Materials”) serves as showrunner, with Mark Mylod (“Succession”) attached as executive producer and director. Each season will cover one of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books.
The search is on for the show’s three leads: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The casting call focuses on finding talented young actors (ages 9-11) from the UK and Ireland, with an emphasis on inclusive and diverse casting.
Interestingly, Gary Oldman (Sirius Black in the film franchise) expressed interest in playing Dumbledore “maybe in a few years.” Could this hint at a potential casting direction?
HBO and Max aim to debut the Harry Potter TV series in 2026. Will this reboot live up to the original films’ magic, or should it be left alone?
Only time will tell if HBO’s Harry Potter TV series reboot will succeed. As fans weigh in, one thing is certain – the franchise’s legacy is undeniable.
Source Variety: Original Dumbledore Actor’s Son Questions HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ TV Reboot
