Veteran actor Gary Oldman, who previously appeared as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter films, recently shared that he wished to portray Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, noting,
“It’s the right age for me.”
With production on the new adaptation moving forward, Oldman’s comments bring a fresh perspective to ongoing casting discussions and fan speculation around the beloved franchise.
Oldman’s Reflections on Playing Sirius Black and His Interest in Dumbledore
Gary Oldman joined the Harry Potter universe with his role as Sirius Black in 2004’s The Prisoner of Azkaban, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The experience working on the film, and collaborating with an accomplished cast and crew, left a lasting impression on Oldman. He described his early days on set, where he met Daniel Radcliffe, noting Radcliffe was about eleven years old at the time, and remembered the young cast as remarkably talented—a sentiment reinforced by his pride in being part of the series.
“Daniel Radcliffe would’ve been about 11 when I first met him. They were all delightful – super smart, super talented. But it was a nice, great time. I’m very proud to have been in it.”
—Gary Oldman, Actor
When prompted about the new HBO adaptation, Oldman expressed genuine curiosity, admitting he didn’t expect the production to involve actors from the original films. Despite this, he revealed his own interest in taking on the role of Dumbledore, observing that he now shares an appropriate age for the iconic headmaster.
“I would’ve fancied a go at Dumbledore. I’m getting up there now, it’s the right age for Dumbledore.”
—Gary Oldman, Actor
New Cast Announced for the Harry Potter TV Series
While Oldman expressed his wishes, the series has officially cast John Lithgow as Dumbledore, marking the beginning of a new era for the beloved character. Lithgow, known for an extensive acting career, is set to bring his talent and an English accent to the legendary Hogwarts headmaster’s role. The American actor recognized the significance of the part and how it might shape his final years in the industry, recounting his own surprise at being offered the role while attending the Sundance Film Festival.
“It came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.”
—John Lithgow, Actor
The casting announcements extend beyond Dumbledore; Katherine Parkinson is set to portray Molly Weasley, while Bertie Carvel has been chosen as Cornelius Fudge. Additional roles include Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Petunia and Vernon, Harry’s aunt and uncle. The series leads—Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley—were selected after a comprehensive search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann.
Search for New Faces and the Showrunners’ Perspective
The fresh cast, highlighted by a trio of up-and-coming actors, was introduced just last month by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod. The production was praised for its careful audition process, which saw tens of thousands of children vying for the parts of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. This announcement reflects the major scope and excitement surrounding the series and its potential to connect with a new generation of Harry Potter fans.
“We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
—Casting Directors (Lucy Bevan, Emily Brockmann)
Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod highlighted the unique qualities of the newly cast young trio, expressing enthusiasm about the magic they are expected to deliver on screen. With these new faces leading the adaptation, HBO aims to bring a fresh interpretation while honoring the spirit of J.K. Rowling’s original work.
Background on the Series and Broader Cultural Context
The new Harry Potter series, which will be available to stream on Max, is intended to offer a faithful retelling of J.K. Rowling’s books, potentially covering material omitted from the films. The project arrives during an ongoing debate about Rowling’s public stances on transgender rights. In recent years, Rowling has faced criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations such as Stonewall after voicing strong opinions on sex and gender issues, including social media posts claiming “there are no trans kids” and advocating the belief that children cannot be “born in the wrong body.”
In May 2025, Rowling established the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, dedicated to providing legal support for those committed to maintaining women’s sex-based rights.
“individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”
—JK Rowling Women’s Fund Description
The controversy has affected the broader Harry Potter fandom, prompting lead actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson to make public statements in support of the transgender community, distancing themselves from Rowling’s views. In contrast, others such as Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jim Broadbent have publicly defended the author.
What Lies Ahead for the Franchise
The announcement that Gary Oldman wanted to play Dumbledore in Harry Potter reveals the ongoing appeal of both the character and the series for actors and fans alike. As John Lithgow steps into the role, and with a roster of new and established talent leading the cast, the HBO series is positioned to both reignite nostalgia and introduce the wizarding world to younger viewers. The interplay of creative storytelling, evolving cultural discussions, and ambitious casting ensures that Harry Potter remains a focal point of worldwide attention as production continues.
