David Thewlis Is “Sick of Talking About” Possible Harry Potter Return

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David Thewlis is “He Who Must Not Be Named” when it comes to the Harry Potter reboot.

The British actor known for playing Professor Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter films has said he doesn’t plan to reprise the role in the new HBO television series.

In a recent interview with ScreenTime, David explained that he feels he’s aged out of the role he originally played and has no interest in revisiting it.

The 62-year-old admitted with a laugh that he was tired of the subject. “I’ve really had enough,” he said frankly, “and I don’t want to discuss it anymore.”

Although the actor who played the Artful Dodger might be hesitant to return to his days working with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, he still appreciates how much the films meant to young audiences.

David explained that he enjoyed working on Harry Potter because it’s a series for children. He finds it very rewarding to see kids get excited and happy through his work.

The upcoming new version of J.K. Rowling’s popular book series has cast its leads! Alongside Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron, John Lithgow – a seven-time Emmy winner – will play the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

The 80-year-old told ScreenRant last February that making the decision was difficult. He explained that it would likely be how people remembered him for the rest of his life, but he was also looking forward to what came next.

He explained that with people rediscovering the magic of Harry Potter, it was a difficult choice, but he’s agreed to participate. He joked that he’ll be quite old – around 87 – by the time the project wraps up.

John initially had a few doubts, but now believes the job should be manageable.

He described Dumbledore as a powerful force, like a nuclear weapon, that’s rarely used. Speaking on the SmartLess podcast in March, he predicted the role wouldn’t be too challenging, anticipating a back-and-forth process.

Read on to learn who else has been cast in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. 

In July 2025, actor Anton Lesser, known for his role in Game of Thrones, will become the new Garrick Ollivander, the wandmaker, taking over from the beloved John Hurt, who sadly passed away.

Rory Wilmot will be taking on the role of Neville Longbottom, a popular character from Gryffindor, previously portrayed by Matthew Lewis.

Louise Brealey, a British actress known for her work in shows like Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches, and Such Brave Girls, will be the new Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch instructor. She’s taking over the role from Zoe Wanamaker.

Okay, so I just found out who’s playing Dudley Dursley in the new series, and it’s Amos Kitson! I’m so excited to see his take on the character. It’s just… different, you know? Harry Melling was Dudley for so long, and he did such an amazing job, but I’m really looking forward to seeing Amos bring something new to the role. I’m already obsessed!

Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will be taking on the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. They are succeeding Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who famously played the characters in the films from 2000 to 2010.

Executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod said they were thrilled with the three actors they’ve cast, and excited for audiences to see them together. They also expressed gratitude to the many children who auditioned, noting the incredible amount of young talent they discovered during the process.

Up-and-coming actor Lox Pratt will be taking on the role of Slytherin, following Tom Felton’s departure. Felton is moving to Broadway to play the older version of Draco in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

HBO revealed in June 2025 that Johnny Flynn, known for his role in Ripley, will be playing Lucius Malfoy. Jason Isaacs, who previously played Lucius in the Harry Potter films, shared his congratulations on Instagram, saying he was excited to pass the role—and the keys to Malfoy Manor—to the “monstrously talented” Flynn.

Katherine Parkinson, known for her BAFTA-winning role in the British comedy The IT Crowd, will play Mrs. Weasley in the upcoming TV series. She’s taking over the role previously held by Julie Walters, who starred in Mamma Mia!

According to a March 2025 report in Variety, comedian Nick Frost was in talks to take on the role of Hagrid, the half-giant from the Harry Potter series. Frost became well-known for starring with Simon Pegg in films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. The role of Hagrid was previously played by Robbie Coltrane, who passed away in 2022.

Reports surfaced in December 2024 that Paapa Essiedu, a British actor known for his Emmy nomination and acclaimed performance in the HBO series I May Destroy You, is being considered to play Professor Snape. This role was famously brought to life by the late Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter films.

John Lithgow, a highly respected actor, will play the role of Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO series. He’s known for his work in shows like Conclave, Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and The Crown. Throughout his career, Lithgow has received numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.

John Lithgow admitted making the decision to take the role wasn’t simple. He told ScreenRant in February 2025 that he felt the part would likely be how people remember him for the rest of his life, but he was thrilled to accept. He joked that he’d be around 87 years old when filming finished, but he was still saying ‘yes!’

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

Daniel Rigby, a BAFTA-winning actor, is joining the HBO Max series to play Harry Potter’s Uncle Vernon. He shared on Instagram that he’s excited to take on the role, calling Uncle Vernon “the world’s worst muggle.” Rigby is taking over the part from Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013.

Bel Powley, a British actress known for her roles in shows like The Morning Show, A Small Light, and Masters of the Air, will be playing Aunt Petunia, a role previously held by Fiona Shaw.

Janet McTeer, a well-known British actress, will be playing Professor McGonagall in the upcoming production. Professor McGonagall is the head of Gryffindor house and Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts. McTeer has had a long and successful career, with notable appearances in shows like Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. The role of McGonagall was famously played by Dame Maggie Smith in the Harry Potter films.

HBO revealed in April 2025 that Paul Whitehouse, a celebrated comedian and five-time BAFTA winner, will be playing the role of Hogwarts caretaker Filch. David Bradley previously portrayed Filch in the Harry Potter films. Interestingly, Whitehouse also had a smaller role in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – he played Sir Cadogan, one of the talking portraits.

Three young actors will play the parts of Harry’s classmates, Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown. Previously, these characters were portrayed by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury, and Jessie Cave.

Bertie Carvel, a Tony Award-winning actor, is set to play the Minister of Magic, it was announced in June 2025. The role was previously played by Robert Hardy, who sadly passed away in 2017, in the Harry Potter films.

Luke Thallon, a theater actor and possibly the newest cast member with the least public recognition, will play Harry’s first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Ian Hart previously played Quirrell, a memorable character in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

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2026-02-10 04:18