Jared Harris, son of original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris, has taken his name out of the running to play the legendary “Harry Potter” wizard in HBO and Max’s upcoming television series based on J.K. Rowling’s book series. The “Mad Men” and “Chernobyl” actor was asked about playing Dumbledore during an interview on the The Independent series “Go to Bat,” to which he responded: “No, thank you.”
“Also, I mean, why do it? I don’t understand,” Jared added. “The films were fantastic – leave them alone.”
Jared is not interested in taking on his father’s beloved role, although he admitted to the publication that “a lot of storytelling” was left out of the original “Harry Potter” film franchise and will now be able to be filmed due to the expanded runtime of the HBO series. Each season of the show will cover one of Rowling’s books. Francesca Gardiner, who produced “Succession,” “His Dark Materials” and “Killing Eve,” is serving as showrunner of the new “Harry Potter” series. Fellow “Succession” alum Mark Mylod is attached as an executive producer and is set to direct multiple episodes.
Richard Harris originated the role of Dumbledore in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and reprised the character in 2002’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” The latter film served as Richard’s last acting role. He died in October 2002 at 72 years old. Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore for the rest of the film franchise.
While Jared is not interested in playing Dumbledore, “Harry Potter” actor Gary Oldman recently made headlines for saying he’d be open to playing the wizard “maybe in a few years.” Oldman starred as Sirius Black in the film franchise.
Variety recently confirmed that a casting call has officially opened for the show’s three leads: Harry, Ron and Hermione. The casting call is looking for children who will be between the ages of 9-11 in April 2025 and who are residents of the U.K. and Ireland. The notice also says that casting will be inclusive to all races, ethnicities and gender identities.
“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” it reads. “For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.”
The “Harry Potter” television series is targeting a 2026 debut on HBO and Max.