My “Harry Potter” Fan Casting (Plus Information About The Upcoming HBO Series)

Wait no longer — your Hogwarts letter has arrived. HBO is making a Harry Potter television series!

“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way…” HBO CEO and Chairman Casey Bloys told Forbes. “…In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.” You can view the full article here. The series will be released sometime around 2026 and span seven seasons over 10 years.

With the excitement of the new series comes the challenge of choosing new actors and actresses to fill the roles of the beloved characters. But search no further — I have found the perfect actors and actresses to play them! (Well…at least some of the characters.)

Take a look!

1. Tom Felton as Lucius Malfoy

Tom Felton in 2011. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Recognize this man? If you do, it’s no surprise — Tom Felton played Draco Malfoy, the bully and Harry Potter’s rival at Hogwarts.

Tom has expressed interest in playing Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father and one of Voldemort’s most loyal Death Eaters, in the new series (Jason Isaacs played Lucius in the films). As Tom told Pedestrian.tv, “As far as casting me as Lucius: yes.”

Many fans have hoped to see Tom as Lucius in the series, adding him to their list of fan casting. I suppose this makes me one of them!

2. Scarlett Johansson as Narcissa Malfoy

Scarlett Johansson in 2012. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Skilled in many areas of acting, Scarlett Johansson is my top choice to play Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy’s mother and Lucius Malfoy’s wife. Narcissa, who the late Helen McCrory played in the films, was a Death Eater, yet she loved Draco as she loved no other, her love for him even moving her to save Harry Potter from Voldemort.

Scarlett played Natasha Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow) in the popular MARVEL films. Natasha, like Narcissa, was a villain (though only temporarily in Natasha’s case) but made decisions spurred by love and goodwill throughout her life. This and her striking resemblance to Narcissa make her a good fit to play the character.

3. Ian McKellen as Albus Dumbledore

Ian McKellen in 2013. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Is it just me, or does Sir Ian McKellen seem a perfect fit to play Professor Albus Dumbledore? And doesn’t Gandalf have an uncanny resemblance to Dumbledore? Both are eccentric old wizards, well-known within their own and the surrounding communities. Dumbledore was played by Richard Harris and Sir Michael Gambon, both of whom have sadly passed away.

However, when offered the opportunity to play Dumbledore in the films, Ian turned down the role, so it would be unlikely he would pick up his wizard’s staff again. But here’s to hoping!

4. Matthew Lewis as Remus Lupin

Matthew Lewis in 2019. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Like with Tom Felton, you probably recognize him. He is none other than Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films!

When asked if he would play Neville again, given the chance, Matthew said he was “too old to play Neville.” But don’t feel sad: he did say that he would be open to playing Professor Remus Lupin, though he added his potential portrayal of the character would never be better than that of “the incomparable David Thewlis,” who played Lupin in the films.

5. Bonnie Wright as Lily Potter

Bonnie Wright in 2017. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Like Tom and Matthew, you probably recognize her — but perhaps her face is a little more familiar. Perhaps you can even place it. Know who it is? Correct — it’s Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films!

Bonnie would be the perfect fit to play Lily Potter, Harry’s mother, in the upcoming series (Geraldine Somerville played Lily in the films). As Ginny was the one to marry Harry, it would be adorable to see her play the character. I can just imagine Bonnie smiling down at the new Harry actor out of the Mirror of Erised…and it would be even sweeter if the next actor on the list were to play their ascribed role. Keep reading to find out who it is!

6. Daniel Radcliffe as James Potter

Daniel Radcliffe in 2014. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Ok…I know you recognize him. And I know for a fact that you know who he played in the movies. I would be concerned if you didn’t. It’s Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter himself in the films! I would love to see Daniel play James Potter (who was played by Adrian Rawlins in the films), Harry’s father, alongside Bonnie Wright as Lily, especially because Daniel and Bonnie’s on-screen characters got married.

However, this is tragically incredibly unlikely, as Daniel is not eager to reprise his role as the character. He said that he isn’t open to even a cameo in the series. However, he never said he was opposed to playing James (though he probably is)…but here’s to hoping he won’t be!

7. Carrie-Anne Moss as Minerva McGonagall

Carrie-Anne Moss in 2016. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

I know what you’re thinking: Maggie Smith was 70 years old when she played Professor McGonagall. Why choose a woman who isn’t even 60? The answer is simple: though Maggie Smith’s performance as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts deputy headmistress and Transfiguration teacher, was superb, Professor McGonagall was 56 when Harry arrived at Hogwarts.

That’s why I think Carrie-Anne Moss is a fantastic actress to play Professor McGonagall. Known mainly for her role as Trinity in the Matrix franchise, Carrie-Anne is 56 (as of April 2024), putting her in Professor McGonagall’s age range.

I can just imagine Carrie-Anne in Professor McGonagall’s green-and-black robes, topped off with a pointy witch’s hat. You?

8. Sean Astin as Rubeus Hagrid

Sean Astin in 2014. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Known mainly for his role in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy as Samwise Gamgee, Sean Astin would be a great fit to play Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper and later Care of Magical Creatures teacher. (In the films, Hagrid was played by the late Robbie Coltrane.)

Though he may be American, those of you who’ve seen Lord of the Rings have heard what a great accent he can feign. I think that should count as an Irish accent.

Like Hagrid, Sam is loyal, strong, compassionate, and sometimes awkward. Sam and Hagrid are also both big dreamers — Sam dreams of marrying Rosie, a girl from his hometown, while Hagrid aspires to own a baby dragon.

9. Eva Green as Bellatrix Lestrange

Eva Green in 2009. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Anyone else slightly creeped out by Eva Green’s ever-present mysterious demeanor and looks? I sure am. That’s why I think she would be a wonderful actress to play Bellatrix Lestrange, one of Voldemort’s most loyal Death Eaters.

Eva has already starred in several dark movies and is familiar with the role of “mysterious villainess.” She’s the perfect fit to play Bellatrix, who Helena Bonham Carter played in the films.

10. Emma Stone as Andromeda Tonks

Emma Stone in 2016. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Andromeda Tonks only has one appearance in the book series (plus several mentions), but in her one scene, Harry mistakes Andromeda for her sister, Bellatrix. Emma Stone is not too far-fetched in her appearances from Eva Green, who I fan-casted as Bellatrix.

Emma usually plays characters who are unafraid to defy the status quo and stand up for what they believe in. Andromeda falls right into that category: despite her pure-blood family’s notoriety for only marrying other pure-bloods, she married a Muggle-born man, causing her family to disown her. However, she never regretted her choice.

11. Hugo Weaving as Lord Voldemort

Hugo Weaving in 2011. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Hugo Weaving has already played the villain in several films (must I remind you of the Matrix series or Captain America?), so playing Lord Voldemort (played by Ralph Fiennes in the movies), the primary antagonist of the Harry Potter series, should be nothing new to him.

Hugo’s distinct facial features make him a good candidate to play Voldemort. Just give him some heavy facial makeup and red contact lenses and he’s good to go!

12. Travis Kelce as Viktor Krum

Travis Kelce in 2021. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Big buff sports player? Fierce and passionate? Sometimes the slightest bit awkward? That’s Travis Kelce…but I know you’re wondering why I picked Travis Kelce of all people to play Viktor Krum (played by Stan Yanevski in the films) in the upcoming series.

Just look at the next person on this list and you might have your answer.

13. Taylor Swift as Fleur Delacour

Taylor Swift in 2013. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

OK, first of all, I CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS ONE. I JUST THINK TAYLOR SWIFT WOULD BE A PERFECT FLEUR DELACOUR. (Does Travis Kelce as Krum make sense now?)

Taylor and Fleur (who was played by Clémence Poésy in the films) are similar in appearance (blonde, blue-eyed, and extremely pretty) and Taylor is an actress as well as a singer. I just hope she can do a French accent!

(And yes, maybe I did intentionally put Taylor as number 13 on this list.) winks

14. Tom Holland as Cedric Diggory

Tom Holland in 2016. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Similar in appearance and attitude, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker (a.k.a. Spider-Man) is similar to Cedric Diggory, a Hufflepuff student and one of Harry’s fellow Triwizard Tournament champions.

Peter and Cedric are both kind, thoughtful, friendly, smart, and brave. Plus, Tom doesn’t look too different from Robert Pattinson, who played Cedric in the films.

15. Evanna Lynch as Helena Ravenclaw

Evanna Lynch in 2018. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Though she may be a Gryffindor in reality, Evanna Lynch played Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw student, in the films.

Evanna should play Helena Ravenclaw, daughter of Hogwarts founder Rowena Ravenclaw, in the series. Luna and Helena are both smart (albeit in their own ways) and mysterious. And especially with her new black hair color, which makes her look even more mysterious than before, Evanna would be the perfect fit to play Helena!

All of the children (Harry, Hermione, Ron, Draco, Luna, etc.)

Let’s get one thing straight: while actors and actresses who are already successful may fill the roles of adult characters, this is a perfect opportunity for young children to step into the world of acting.

Remember when Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint were only child actors with virtually no fame — until they were cast as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley? I believe that casting the new Harry, Hermione, and Ron will be very similar.

If YOU would like to audition for the series, casting has not started yet, but keep a lookout for fresh news, and check out this article for more information.

What do YOU think of this fan-casting? Let me know in the comments!

CREDIT: LIAM TRUONG ON UNSPLASH