HBO is working on a new Harry Potter TV show, based on the book series by J.K. Rowling. Do we need a new TV Show when the Harry Potter movies are still widely watched and enjoyed? Don't ask such questions; it's happening.
We already know some of the actors, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer as McGonagal and Nick Frost as Hagrid. But HBO wants background actors too. According to The Sun, they want men with extremely long facial hair, hair that goes "up to or beyond their waist," to play wizards. We're talking generational beards here. Chosen actors will enjoy "good rates of pay." Enough to afford all the shampoo and beard oil they'll need, one hopes.
“The Harry Potter TV show is literally the most sought-after project for actors, so this is an incredible opportunity," said an insider. “All the potential stars have to do is look like the members of ZZ Top, but there actually aren’t that many people around who fit the bill. That’s why the producers have now taken to advertising for applicants to come forward.”
According to 10Play, more than 30,000 people have submitted themselves for consideration, although I can't find a link to any kind of application. The show will start filming in London this summer, so if you're in the area and you have a beard so long you can tuck it into your pants, I guess just walk around and tell people you want to be a wizard. That should get you some attention.
We still don't know who will be playing Harry, Ron and Hermione, the three main characters of the series, although rumor has it that HBO has found young actors to portray them. Harry Potter is a hugely famous series and whoever is cast in these parts will no doubt be scrutinized from every angle, so if those three roles have indeed been cast, best let the kids enjoy anonymity for a bit longer.
The Harry Potter show likely won't air on HBO and Max until 2026. At that point, I expect a lot of debate, because as famous as it is, the franchise has gone through its share of controversies over the years, some of which are only getting bigger:
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