Original “Harry Potter” Cast Members React to New HBO Series – Part 5
The new Harry Potter TV series heading to HBO is continuing to stir up plenty of chatter from fans and former cast members alike. If you haven’t already, check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4, where we’ve already covered a range of reactions to the upcoming show.
In our fifth and final article, we take a look at the thoughts of Stephen Fry, Katie Leung, Jason Isaacs, Warwick Davis, David Tennant, and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin.
Stephen Fry
The narrator of the UK versions of the Potter audiobooks, Stephen Fry, told Metro he hasn’t been approached about the new TV series but he would “certainly consider it” if he was.
Touching on the news of John Lithgow taking on the role of Professor Dumbledore, Fry said Lithgow’s casting was “wonderful.”
I’ve worked with him; he’s a terrific actor, absolutely brilliant. He’s almost made for [Dumbledore’s] little glasses.
Fry also joked about various roles he could play in the TV show.
I don’t know who I would play. I’m too old for anybody in that [world], aren’t I? Maybe I could be Minister for Magic, or something like that? Cornelius Fudge… For all I know they’ve already cast him.…
Or I could be the Fat Lady in the portrait!
Katie Leung
Speaking to Gaming Bible, Katie Leung (Cho Chang) gave some advice to the young cast who will take on the TV show.
It’s going to be such a huge budgeted show and there’s going to be so many people involved. I think it’s really important to remember to be true to how you want to play a character, and just don’t let outer voices get to you. You’ve been cast for a reason, for a very good reason. Just roll with it.
Jason Isaacs
When asked in an interview with Variety whom he would cast as Lucius Malfoy if he were in charge of the new TV show, Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) went for an unconventional choice: Meryl Streep. He stated, “She can do anything, that woman. There’s literally no limit to what she can do.”
He was also asked what advice he would give for actors taking on a role in a franchise of such a huge scale as Potter.
I wouldn’t have any advice at all. Why would I bother? I know some of the people they’re casting already. They’re brilliant actors. It’s going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me.
In another interview, Isaacs admitted he’d like to be cast as Hermione Granger – see his full response in the video below.
@deadline #JasonIsaacs on Max’s upcoming #HarryPotter ♬ original sound – Deadline
Warwick Davis
Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick/Griphook) spoke to reporters after accepting the BAFTA Fellowship honor at the BAFTA Awards in February, stating he would “never say never” to returning to the wizarding world.
I think it would be lovely to have some legacy actors in there as well to connect the series to the films. But who knows? I’d never say never. I love working.
Davis also said that he “loved every minute” of working on the Harry Potter films.
The ‘Harry Potter’ series of films means a lot to me. It was 11 years’ worth of work, which is unheard of in the film industry.
David Tennant
David Tennant (Barty Crouch Jr.) stated at Planet Comicon Kansas City that he feels his “contribution [to ‘Harry Potter’] has probably been made.” He then seemed to reference J.K. Rowling when claiming, “I’m told there’s an executive producer that doesn’t love me on that show.”
David told off J.K Rowling very very well https://t.co/nkyZVk81PL pic.twitter.com/O7O80W8lHV
— 𝐀𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧🍁 (@GoodOmensDT) March 22, 2025
Hero Fiennes-Tiffin
Hero Fiennes-Tiffin played 11-year-old Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and it seems he can’t quite let go of that character.
When speaking to Us Weekly, he admitted he “would 100% be open to coming back as any character in the HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series.” However, he went on to say that he couldn’t imagine playing anyone other than Voldemort.
I don’t think I could be anyone else. I’m not just Team Tom Riddle; I’m Team Slytherin as well. So if it is anyone else, I think it’s gotta be Team Slytherin. I’ve picked my name out of the hat, and I’m Slytherin ‘til I die.
What are your thoughts on the casting of the first six confirmed actors in HBO’s Harry Potter TV show, and which of the actors featured in this article would you love to see play a new role in the TV show if they were offered the chance?
