Harry Potter fans divided over Sirius Black casting for new series

HBO’s Harry Potter television series is set to begin filming this summer.

It’ll do so at Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden in the UK, which is where the original film saga was made.

I’ll admit, I was dubious when the TV show was announced; How could it carve out its own identity when the films remain so prevalent in the pop culture consciousness?

Well, it’s since been revealed that while the HBO series will be redesigning certain sets, expanding Hogwarts, it’ll also reuse some key locations.

The Great Hall, for example, is one set that’s due to remain unchanged, although I’m imagining they’ll have to recreate it given that the real thing is visited by hundreds of visitors a day at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter.

As for casting, we’re still being kept in the dark.

There are plenty of rumours though, with Paapa Essiedu supposedly in talks to play Snape with Brett Goldstein reportedly set to bring Hagrid to life.

With filming getting underway in a few months time, I’m imagining it won’t be long until a casting announcement is made.

One casting fans are growing curious about is that of Sirius Black which, admittedly, may be a bit premature given the character doesn’t appear until the third book.

Take a look at the original teaser trailer for Harry Potter below.

In the film series, Sirius was, of course, excellently brought to life by the fantastic Gary Oldman.

While there’s no official frontrunner for his TV successor, Ben Barnes has long been a fan-favourite for the role.

In a recent interview with US Weekly, Barnes addressed that fact.

“You wouldn’t believe the amount of Harry Potter books I’ve signed or Gryffindor scarves I’ve been given as gifts,” he began.

“It’s been going on for 20 years that people have been very kindly saying that they would’ve liked me to have played a young version of the Sirius Black character in Harry Potter."

He added, “They’re books that I love and at least half of my career has been based on literary adaptations that I’ve loved. And that one, I see no reason why it would be any different, but I haven’t spoken to anyone about it yet.”

The TV show does seem to be opting for a younger cast so honestly, Barnes is a plausible choice as I’d argue he looks younger than his age.

Of course, not all fans agree and are viewing things more literally: “Isn’t he actually too old now? Sirius was 33ish when Harry met him. Ben will be at least 46 by the time he’s part of the story, probs,” wrote Reddit user AdBrief4620.

It’s not something worth getting yourself in knots over because, as I said, it’s a tad early to consider Sirius’ introduction.

Let’s hope that some official casting news lands soon for the other characters.