Gary Oldman reveals the role he wanted to play in the upcoming Harry Potter show

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and The Dark Knight Trilogy actor Gary Oldman recently appeared in an interview with Variety. The well-reputed publication posted a video on its YouTube channel titled "Does Sir Gary Oldman Know His Lines?", in which Sirius Black's (played by Oldman) iconic line "I did my waiting! Twelve years of it, in Azkaban!” came up.

After correctly identifying that the line is from Prisoner of Azkaban, the British actor went on to speak about the upcoming HBO adaptations of the books. There, he also revealed that he briefly wished to return to the Wizarding World through the HBO Harry Potter show. But this time, the actor hoped to return in a different role, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.

Explaining Gary Oldman's comments on playing Dumbledore in the HBO Harry Potter series:

If you recall, Gary Oldman joined the franchise in the third movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, died in the fifth one, Order of the Phoenix, and returned as a ghost in the last one, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. First, the actor spoke about working with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Oldman said:

“It was interesting working with Alfonso Cuarón, he did a spectacular job with number three. Daniel Radcliffe would have been about 11 when I met him. They were all delightful, super smart, super talented. It was a great time, I was very proud to have been in it.”

After that, Oldman expressed a feeling of intrigue for the upcoming HBO series, but he also said:

“My personal feeling is that they're not going to go anywhere near people who connected with the original. I'm actually very intrigued to see it because so much of the books were cut. I would have fancied a go at Dumbledore. I’m getting up to the right age for it.”

This is not the first time that Oldman hoped to play Dumbledore in the HBO series. He had expressed something similar in a September 2024 IndieWire interview. First, Oldman explicitly pointed out the little screen time Sirius had in the Harry Potter movies:

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

The actor is right; Sirius had a longer role in the books, as he appeared in the fourth book, Goblet of Fire, three times, which was condensed to just one in the movie. The actor said that he is too old to play Sirius now, but hoped to take on the role of Dumbledore, something he is the perfect age for:

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

Who is playing Dumbledore on the HBO series?

Dexter Season 4's Trinity Killer, John Lithgow, is the one who is confirmed to play the headmaster of Hogwarts. Lithgow spoke about stepping into the shoes of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law in an interview with BBC's "The One Show" in April 2025. After stating that he was both intimidated and excited, Lithgow said this about playing Dumbledore in the HBO Harry Potter show:

“I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV. I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on ‘The Crown’ and did just fine."

The actor then continued:

“But yes, I mean, it’s an enormous thrill. But I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But, I will do my best.”

Trending

Is there a role you think Gary Oldman can play in the HBO Harry Potter series? Let us know.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback