Harry Potter fans torn over HBO series casting original actors in new roles

A brand-new Harry Potter series is heading to HBO but it has already got fans discussing if the original cast should return to the upcoming project.

Set to air in 2026 and welcoming Succession team Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod as writer and director, the new Harry Potter HBO series may run for ten seasons (yep) but we don’t yet know its highly-anticipated cast.

In related news, check out the newest Harry Potter game, Quidditch Champions, below!

However, one actor will be happy to return to Hogwarts which has kicked off the discussion as to who else should return.

Speaking to Deadline back in September, Gary Oldman, who famously took on the role of Sirius Black, said he is not opposed to starring in the HBO reboot.

In an interview on the Emmys’ red carpet, he admitted that he did not think that Sirius Black was present enough in the movies despite starring in four of the blockbusters before his demise in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

“I love Sirius,” Oldman claimed. “He wasn’t in it enough. He turned up and then he went through the veil.

I would bet my money that they will get a whole new cast of people. Maybe in a few years, I could do Dumbledore.”

His latter comment has got fans thinking of the much-loved actors returning but perhaps taking on the role of different characters.

The conversation surrounding this kicked off on r/harrypotter last month.

“Gary Oldman says he could do Dumbledore in the new TV show,” the post read.

“Which OG actors would you like to see return in the reboot?”

The original poster went on to suggest that Daniel Radcliffe should return as James Potter and even Emma Watson as Bellatrix Lestrange to name a few.

However, the comments were torn.

“I would rather not get any returning actors,” one user admitted.

Another said: “IMO too many cameos and fan service might be corny. One or two are fine, but half of the old cast in important roles kills the magic to "look, that's Ron with a wig!"

With the HBO Harry Potter series still in the early stages of development, it still remains to be seen who will take on the roles of some of our favourite fictional characters.