For nearly two decades, Ben Barnes has been closely linked to the idea of playing Sirius Black, a role fans have long imagined him in. Speaking at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention with Collider’s Maggie Lovitt, Barnes reflected on this persistent fancasting with both fondness and a hint of surprise, revealing how it has shaped his relationship with the character and the fandom surrounding Harry Potter. His comments highlight the lasting connection fans feel toward this iconic role and his place within that imagined world.
Ben Barnes Reflects on His Unexpected Connection to Sirius Black
Ben Barnes, widely recognized for roles in The Chronicles of Narnia and Shadow and Bone, has endured an unusual fan association with Sirius Black. When asked about which Marauder fancast he favored, Barnes responded warmly, celebrating the fandom’s dedication and his own feelings about the character. He noted how unusual it is to be so closely linked to a role from a universe he wasn’t originally a part of, saying,
“Yes, this question is about a very, sort of loving fan cast of me as a young, Sirius Black even though I’m approaching the age of regular Sirius Black. And that’s actually testament only to the fandom that have spent all those years, kind of, you know, invested in a—well, I was gonna say fictional story, as if Harry Potter’s not fictional, it’s real to me! And it’s a very lovely thing, I think, that people are kind of invested in you for something that you didn’t have nothing to do with. Obviously, you know, fantastic characters. And honestly, if I had to pick one that people would associate me with, that would be the character I picked anyway. So that makes me feel really good.”
—Ben Barnes, actor
This connection seems to have been a positive yet unexpected gift from fans who have vividly imagined Barnes as this beloved character. Such dedication signals how deeply fans invest in their roles and the actors they envision in them.
A Surprising Fancast Friendship: Andrew Garfield
Barnes also shared some lighthearted thoughts on other fan casts that made him smile, particularly noting fellow actor Andrew Garfield. While unsure which specific Harry Potter character Garfield is fancast as, Barnes mentioned their shared birthday and expressed admiration for Garfield’s talent beyond the superhero persona most audiences know him by. He elaborated,
“I think, isn’t Andrew Garfield one of them?”
—Ben Barnes, actor
“I think I’d have to say that because Andrew and I share a birthday. We have the same… I’m older by one year.”
—Ben Barnes, actor
“I’ve always admired him ever since I met him. I’ve got to see him in various plays he’s done and stuff, because I just think he’s great.”
—Ben Barnes, actor
This appreciated camaraderie within the world of fancast actors reflects Barnes’ awareness and respect for fellow performers envisioned in similar beloved roles.
Ben Barnes Shares His Thoughts on Possibly Playing Sirius Black
Barnes revisited the topic of the Sirius Black fancasting recently at Tampa Bay Comic-Con, where he described the experience as at first confusing, then increasingly meaningful over time. He recalled how fans would approach him with requests related to the character despite his different acting history, saying,
“I found it very weird for a lot of years, because I didn’t really understand what was happening. People would sort of ask me to sign things or — and I was like, ‘You know what? I was in Narnia.’ So for a lot of years, I found it confusing. And then I went through a phase of being like, ‘Wait, I’ve been — people have sort of imagined me in this sort of old universe thing for like, 15 plus, 20 years now.’ And it’s that kind of, like, it’s the commitment to it, which I really kind of value. And I think is really, really lovely.”
—Ben Barnes, actor
Even though he is closely associated with the idea of Sirius Black, Barnes acknowledged the complicated feelings that come with the role. As Warner Bros. develops a new Harry Potter series for HBO Max, Barnes remains a fan favorite for the coveted part originally played by Gary Oldman. However, Barnes also expressed some hesitation when discussing the franchise publicly. He explained,
“In the last few years, I found it much more — a more difficult thing to talk about, because there’s obviously, like, a clash between some of the author’s views on things and the way I see the world.”
—Ben Barnes, actor
At present, it appears unlikely that Barnes will step into the role in the upcoming series, especially since the character may not appear for the first several seasons. Nonetheless, the sustained fan interest speaks to Barnes’ lasting impact on the Sirius Black persona and the broader fandom.
Notable Harry Potter Cast Members Already Confirmed for the New Series
While the role of Sirius Black remains unconfirmed, several prominent actors have already been announced for the new HBO Max Harry Potter adaptation. Dominic McLaughlin will portray Harry Potter, Janet McTeer will take on the role of Minerva McGonagall, John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, and Nick Frost has been cast as Hagrid.
This ensemble promises a fresh take on the Wizarding World while maintaining connections to the beloved original stories. Fans remain eager to see whether the new series will bring fresh life to classic characters like Sirius Black in the future.
As excitement builds around the upcoming series, Ben Barnes’ reflections reveal the powerful influence that fan communities have in shaping actors’ identities and expectations. His thoughtful engagement with the fancasting demonstrates the intersection between art, fandom, and personal meaning that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
