Warner Bros. Is Eying This Oscar-Winning Actor To Play Dumbledore In 'Harry Potter' TV Series

As HBO’s “Harry Potter” series edges closer to production, speculation regarding casting has taken over the internet.

Aiming to breathe fresh life into J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, HBO and Warner Bros. have described their forthcoming series as a “faithful adaptation,” promising the same rich narrative detail that defined the original books. The series aims to rekindle the magic of “Harry Potter” for a new generation of viewers, while preserving the timeless elements that loyal fans have cherished for over two decades.

While an open casting call earlier this fall sought fresh faces for the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, Warner Bros. appears intent on securing talent for the adult characters in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series.

Sources who spoke with Variety say that the network is targeting Mark Rylance, the Academy Award-winning British actor, to play the revered role of Professor Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ enigmatic headmaster.

At 64, Rylance is known for his stage work and recent high-profile roles, including an upcoming portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in the BBC's "Wolf Hall: The Mirror" and "The Light." Rylance could bring the depth and nuance essential to portraying the character of Dumbledore.

While Warner Bros. has yet to enter into formal negotiations, it has reached out to assess Rylance’s interest and availability for what could be a long-term commitment to the franchise.

The original films featured Richard Harris as Dumbledore in the initial installments, though, following Harris’s death, Michael Gambon took on the role.

According to The Guardian, Harris initially declined the role of Hogwarts headmaster three times before ultimately being convinced by his young granddaughter. “All I knew is that they kept offering me the part and raising the salary every time they called. I kept turning it down,” Harris reportedly commented. “Anyone involved has to agree to be in the sequels, all of them, and that’s not how I wanted to spend the last years of my life, so I said no over and over again.”

Rylance’s age places him in a position similar to that of Harris and Maggie Smith, who each took on roles in the series with the expectation of multiple installments. The demands of a long-running series may indeed weigh into the decision, as the role would likely require an extended commitment over the projected seven-season arc.

This development has led to widespread speculation regarding additional casting, particularly for figures like Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape. For now, however, Warner Bros. remains focused on assembling a balanced cast that will pay homage to Rowling’s literary vision.

As the casting process continues, fans of all ages eagerly wait to see how the next chapter of “Harry Potter” will unfold on the small screen.

With little fanfare, "Wizards of Baking," a new culinary-themed series produced by Warner Horizon Television, is quietly preparing for its debut. This lighthearted competition show marks the initial step in Warner Bros.'s broad strategy to re-energize and expand the "Harry Potter" universe across diverse media and consumer platforms.

Rather than a standalone project, "Wizards of Baking" serves as the first in a carefully curated series of releases aimed at captivating both longtime and new "Harry Potter" fans. Warner Bros. has unveiled an extensive lineup of upcoming offerings, including additional TV series, immersive video games, and exciting additions to its theme parks around the globe.

Fans can also look forward to a range of premium merchandise and unique live experiences, inviting them to immerse themselves fully in the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s creation.

Warner Bros. has set an ambitious goal: to expand the "Harry Potter" franchise, which began in 1997 with the first installment of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novels, by reimagining beloved characters and familiar worlds in new ways.

At the heart of the studio’s strategy to breathe fresh life into the "Potter" universe lies its boldest endeavor yet—a scripted "Harry Potter" TV series, scheduled to premiere on HBO in 2026.