Dumbledore actor's son questions HBO TV reboot: “Why?”

Jared Harris, son of original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris, has withdrawn his application to play the legendary “Harry Potter” wizard in HBO and Max's upcoming television series based on JK Rowling's book series. The “Mad Men” and “Chernobyl” actor was asked in an interview on the independent series “Go to Bat” if he would play Dumbledore, to which he replied: “No, thank you.”

“And I mean, why would you do that? I don't understand it,” Jared added. “The movies were fantastic – leave them alone.”

Jared has no interest in reprising his father's popular role, although he admitted to the publication that “a lot of storytelling” was left out of the original “Harry Potter” film series and can now be adapted for film due to the HBO series' extended run. Each season of the series will revolve around one of Rowling's books. Francesca Gardiner, who produced “Succession,” “His Dark Materials” and “Killing Eve,” will serve as showrunner on the new “Harry Potter” series. Mark Mylod, a former “Succession” colleague, is set to executive produce and direct several episodes.

Richard Harris first played the role of Dumbledore in 2001 in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and reprised his role in 2002 in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The latter film was Richard's last acting role. He died in October 2002 at the age of 72. Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore for the rest of the film series.

While Jared has no interest in playing Dumbledore, Harry Potter actor Gary Oldman recently made headlines when he said he would be open to playing the wizard “maybe in a few years.” Oldman played the role of Sirius Black in the film series.

diversity recently confirmed that casting has officially opened for the series' three main characters, Harry, Ron and Hermione. The cast is looking for children who will be aged between 9 and 11 in April 2025 and live in the UK and Ireland. The announcement also states that all races, ethnicities and gender identities will be considered during the casting process.

“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” it says. “Please submit qualified actors for each role, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, unless explicitly stated otherwise.”

The television series “Harry Potter” is scheduled to debut on HBO and Max in 2026.