HBO is working on a new Harry Potter TV show that will adapt all seven of J.K. Rowling's books in full, going into more details than the 2000s-era movies had time for. The show has already cast major characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Snape and more. Is it possible that any of the actors from the movies might appear, perhaps playing other roles?
So far, we haven't seen any indication of that, although at least one of the OGs — Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy — joked that he'd "be sneaking into a background shot as an extra." But mostly, we expect an all-new cast, even if some of the movie veterans would have liked a role.
Take Gary Oldman, who played Harry's godfather Sirius Black in the original movies. "My personal feeling is that they're not going to go anywhere near anyone that was connected to the original," he told Variety. "I'm actually very intrigued to see it because so much of the books were cut. I would've fancied a go at Dumbledore. Getting up there now, it's the right age for Dumbledore."
Oldman was in his mid-40s when he first appeared as Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and is now pushing 70. He could probably pull off the wizened Dumbledore by this point. The actor who actually got the job, John Lithgow, is 79. HBO plans to adapt all seven Harry Potter over the course of as many seasons, so Lithgow will be busy well into his 80s.
Ralph Fiennes has advice for whoever plays Voldemort
While it'd be fun to see an Harry Potter alums like Oldman return for the show, I get why HBO would want to steer clear of casting familiar faces; this is a new take on the story and it should have a new cast.
That said, the old cast members are more than welcome to offer their advice from the sidelines, which they're doing liberally. Ralph Fiennes, who played the dark lord Voldemort in the films, has advice for whoever takes over his role: "Make sure you can handle the long, flowing robes, and don't trip over them," he said during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "Practice your long, flowing robe walk." Wise words.
Although a lot of characters have been cast, we haven't heard about anyone playing Voldemort yet, probably because he doesn't show up in the first book...well, not exactly. If you know, you know. Cillian Murphy has been a popular fan-cast, but I wouldn't hold out hope for that coming to pass; so far they've largely steered clear of big names, give or take Lithgow as Dumbledore.
Filming on the new Harry Potter show begins soon. A release date hasn't been set, but expect the first season to air on HBO and HBO Max either late in 2026 or, more likely, sometime in 2027.
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