Spanning eight movies, the Harry Potter franchise is among cinema’s finest releases, enchanting audiences with its spectacular imagery. 12 years after the last installment of the franchise, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed that the series will be rebooted with a TV series on HBO Max (via Collider). The fandom is ecstatic with this amazing news and is already speculating who could play some of their favorite characters.
Although the original films were perfectly cast by casting director Janet Hirshenson, there are still many actors who could do an excellent job as the fantasy saga’s beloved characters. These wonderful film and television stars have proven their acting credentials across various media projects, showing that they have what it takes to deliver outstanding performances. The Harry Potter franchise would be in very safe hands with these individuals, who could help bring a fresh perspective on the Wizarding World.
Updated on May 12, 2023, by Andrea Sandoval: The Harry Potter series comprises a rich and interesting universe with dozens of important characters. Now that the TV reboot has been officially announced, we’ve updated this article to include more actors who could embody some of the most iconic characters in the franchise.
It’s important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR’s continuing coverage on Rowling here.
15 Archie Yates As Harry Potter
Born in Kent, Archie Yates has become one of the most prominent child actors in recent times. The young lad rose to fame with his role as Jojo’s best friend, Yorki, in Jojo Rabbit, with viewers falling in love with Yorki’s joyous optimism. Displaying a staggering amount of confidence on-screen, Archie Yates seems the ideal fit for Harry Potter.
Yate’s portrayal of the cheeky 10-year-old child Max in Home Sweet Home Alone suggests his potential to pull off Harry’s more rebellious side, as Max lays several traps for the film’s hapless burglars throughout the film. This could translate well to some of Harry’s key scenes in the franchise, such as his decision to defy Umbridge by setting up his own Defense Against The Dark Arts classes, showing Harry to be one of the series’ most cunning individuals.
14 Adam Driver As Professor Snape
Mostly known for the Star Wars films, Adam Driver has built a truly illustrative career in film. The actor’s talents for playing shady and distrustful characters would lend themselves well to playing Professor Snape, who is considered one of the best movie villains who became heroes.
Adam Driver’s part in the Star Wars films is strikingly similar to Snape’s journey in Harry Potter, with the snarky and erratic Kylo Ren originally allying himself with the villainous First Order before deciding to join the resistance. Adam Driver’s expert acting ability would allow him to perfectly convey Snape’s complexities, with the potion master’s complicated relationship with Harry seeing him place his life on the line to help defeat Voldemort.
13 Olivia Colman As Dolores Umbridge
Olivia Colman has become more famous in recent years, especially after she received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Favourite. This actress, known for playing complex women, would be the perfect choice for Dolores Umbridge.
Colman’s role as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s The Crown proves that she has the right tone to embody Umbridge, who is a ruthless and stern woman. Imelda Staunton, who interpreted the previous Dolores, played an older version of Queen Elizabeth in the same series. This makes sense since there’s no doubt that Dolores Umbridge’s character is at least partially inspired by this historical figure.
12 Josh Widdicombe As Arthur Weasley
Gaining prominence as the presenter of the British panel show The Last Leg, Josh Widdicombe is among Britain’s most popular comedians. The comic’s exaggerated personality could translate well to the character of Arthur Weasley.
As the lead of his own sitcom, Josh Widdicombe has demonstrated his clear comedic acting abilities. The Hammersmith-born funnyman could provide a deeply humorous take on Arthur’s many eccentricities as he obsesses over various Muggle artifacts.
11 Naomi Scott As Nymphadora Tonks
Naomi Scott was first known for the teen film Lemonade Mouth. Still, she earned higher popularity with the Power Ranger‘s movie adaptation and for her role as Jazmin in Disney’s live-action Aladdin. In all these roles, Scott has shown a knack for comedy that makes her the perfect option to play a new version of Tonks.
Tonks is a skillful auror who’s also described as eccentric, funny, and clumsy. Not only did Naomi Scott already play several action sequences in Power Rangers, so she could play dynamic scenes, but she’s also great at playing quirky yet badass characters, such as Tonks.
10 Charles Dance As Albus Dumbledore
Born in 1946, Charles Dance has developed a significant fan base from his role in Game Of Thrones, which saw him portray the power-hungry Tywin Lannister. With some fans noticing times when Dumbledore acted like a villain, Charles Dance could deliver a morally ambiguous version of the Hogwarts headmaster.
Drawing from his Game Of Thrones experience, Charles Dance’s Dumbledore would likely display a more manipulative nature as he schemes to bring an end to Voldemort’s reign of terror. Some of the wise wizard’s behavior has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, with his ignorant attitude toward Harry in his fifth year, in particular, being questioned by fans. Charles Dance could shed new light on these moments, delivering a unique interpretation of the heroic headmaster in comparison to his predecessors.
9 Idris Elba As Kingsley Shacklebolt
English actor Idris Elba is mainly known for his role as Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly the Thor franchise. However, Elba has an extensive career with many critically acclaimed roles, such as Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom or his outstanding portrayal of DCI John Luther in Luther.
Kingsley Shacklebolt was an amazing auror and member of the Order of the Phoenix who became the acting Minister of Magic. Idris Elba has both the charm and the solemn attitude to play a character like Shacklebolt, who is a charismatic leader and an awe-inspiring wizard, similar to Heimdall.
8 Tom Burke As Sirius Black
Raised in London, Tom Burke is a frequent presence in British media. The actor is most famous for his portrayal of the dashing and heroic Athos in the BBC’s Musketeers adaptation. However, his leading part in Strike most demonstrates his potential as Harry’s troubled godfather, Sirius Black.
Tom Burke excellently depicts Cormoran’s deep trauma as a former Armed Forces operative, as he struggles to reconcile with his past and becomes an alcoholic. His time as the tragic detective represents the many facets he could bring to the character of Sirius Black, who similarly struggles following his time in Azkaban, possibly resulting in a deep and heartfelt performance.
7 Katie McGrath As Bellatrix Lestrange
Katie McGrath is an Irish actress especially known for her roles as Morgana in the Merlin TV show and Lena Luthor in the Supergirl series. McGrath usually portrays dark, morally ambiguous, and ambitious characters, and it’s certain that she would be a terrific Bellatrix Lestrange.
While it’s hard to imagine another actress than Helena Bonham Carter embodying this role, Katie McGrath could add a deeper emotional layer to Bellatrix’s character, who has been widely criticized for her bidimensional and sanist characterization.
6 Julian Bleach As Lord Voldemort
Originating from Dorset, Julian Bleach has played many terrifying antagonists across the Doctor Who universe, including the Nightmare Man and the Ghostmaker. Most notably, he has portrayed the Daleks’ creator, Davros, which displays his strong prospects as Lord Voldemort.
Although Ralph Fiennes would be a tough act to follow, with many considering him to be the perfect Voldemort, Julian Bleach’s version of Davros shows that he could do the part justice. As the Daleks’ megalomaniacal creator, Julian Bleach strikes an intimidating presence, which could translate nicely to Voldemort’s cruel and remorseless personality.
5 Jacqueline King As Professor McGonagall
Portraying Donna’s mother, Sylvia, during Doctor Who‘s fourth series, Jacqueline King displays a stern demeanor throughout Donna’s TARDIS adventures. Sylvia’s serious personality feels like a natural fit for the part of Professor McGonagall.
Jacqueline King’s abrupt and no-nonsense approach to the Doctor’s antics would work incredibly well for McGonagall, who is shown to be a steely presence throughout the Harry Potter series. Jacqueline King could bring a furious energy to the Transfiguration teacher, who has displayed a rather sharp tongue throughout the fantasy saga.
4 Nick Frost As Rubeus Hagrid
Mostly known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg, Nick Frost has played some of cinema’s quirkiest characters, with individuals such as Ed and Danny providing some great dim-witted humor. Despite many believing that Hagrid was perfectly cast with Robbie Coltrane, Nick Frost has the potential to fully embody the half-giant’s warm spirit.
Nick Frost’s strong comedic skills could see him deliver a hilarious take on Hagrid’s love for wild beasts, as he naively insists they are not as dangerous as they appear. Additionally, the Hot Fuzz star would be excellent at illustrating Hagrid’s blundering nature, as he accidentally let slip some of Dumbledore’s most dangerous secrets to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
3 Catherine Tate As Molly Weasley
With a career spanning three decades, Catherine Tate has become one of the most familiar faces in comedy. Alongside her sitcom roles, she has also developed a strong reputation as an actor. Her role as Catherine’s mother, Josephine, in Little Crackers suggests she has the motherly qualities to take on the part of Molly Weasley.
In this 10-minute short, Catherine Tate does an incredible job of depicting a mother’s undying love for her child as she comforts young Catherine over her shy nature. Her more iconic role as Donna Noble in Doctor Who also aptly demonstrates her capabilities at playing a more fiery personality, which indicates that she would be ideal at playing Molly’s more fierce moments.
2 Arthur Darvill As Remus Lupin
Crossing multiple franchises, Arthur Darvill has become a geek icon for both the DC and Doctor Who fandoms, as the grumpy time traveler Rip Hunter and Amy’s awkward boyfriend, Rory Williams. These parts would have prepared him well for taking on the character of Remus Lupin.
As the Waverider’s earnest captain Rip Hunter, Arthur Darvill truly excels at portraying a mentor figure. His relationship with Sara Lance, in particular, is similar to the close bond that develops between Lupin and Harry. Like Lupin, Rip also holds a heartbreaking backstory, losing his family to the nefarious Vandal Savage. Arthur Darvill brings many nuances to his take on Rip’s grief, which would bode well for his portrayal of Lupin as the unfortunate victim of a vicious werewolf attack at only four years of age.
1 Ruth Wilson As Narcissa Malfoy
Ruth Wilson has received several important awards for her work in theater. Still, recently, she took the world by storm with her role as Marissa Coulter, Lyra’s morally ambiguous mother, in HBO’s fantasy series His Dark Materials. Wilson imbued this character with complexity and an emotional depth that completely captivated the audience.
Narcissa Malfoy is one of the most ruthless members of the Black family, but she changes sides when her son’s life is threatened by Lord Voldemort. Hopefully, a TV series would further explore Narcissa’s true motivations. Wilson would definitely do justice to such an interesting character.
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