Dumbledore Actor’s Son Questions HBO’s Reboot: ‘Why Do It?’

Jared Harris, the son of Richard Harris, the actor who originally played Dumbledore, has withdrawn from the running to play the legendary “Harry Potter” wizard in the upcoming HBO and Max television series based on J.K. Rowling’s book series. The “Mad Men” and “Chernobyl” actor was asked about playing Dumbledore during an interview on The Independent’s “Go to Bat,” to which he replied, “No, thank you.”

“Besides, why do it? I don’t get it,” Jared added. “The movies were fantastic — leave them alone.”

Jared has no interest in taking on his father’s beloved role, though he admitted to the publication that “a lot of stories” were left out of the original “Harry Potter” film series and will now be available to film thanks to the extended run of the HBO series. Each season of the series will cover one of Rowling’s books. Francesca Gardiner, who produced “Succession,” “His Dark Materials” and “Killing Eve,” is serving as showrunner for the new “Harry Potter” series. Fellow “Succession” alum Mark Mylod is attached as an executive producer and is set to direct multiple episodes.

Richard Harris originated the role of Dumbledore in the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and reprised the role in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The latter film was Richard’s final acting role. He died in October 2002 at the age of 72. Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore for the remainder of the film series.

While Jared isn’t interested in playing Dumbledore, “Harry Potter” actor Gary Oldman recently made headlines by saying he’d be open to playing the wizard “maybe in a few years.” Oldman played Sirius Black in the film series.

Diversity recently confirmed that casting has officially opened for the three lead roles in the series: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The casting call is aimed at finding children who will be aged between nine and 11 in April 2025 and residents of the UK and Ireland. The announcement also said that the casting call will be open to all races, ethnicities, and gender identities.

“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” it says. “For each role, we ask that qualified performers be submitted, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by law, unless otherwise specifically noted.”

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