Accio Harry Potter news! Almost a year and a half has passed since we first learned that a new Harry Potter TV show is headed our way, and so far information on the upcoming HBO show hasn't exactly been forthcoming. We know that Succession's Mark Mylod is set to direct the series with Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials) attached to write, and that an open casting call for the Golden Trio — Harry, Ron, and Hermione — went live back in September, but otherwise it's seemed almost as if an invisibility cloak has been draped over plans for the re-adaptation. Now however, per Variety's reporting, we're getting our first major bit of prospective casting news — and it's concerning none other than Hogwarts' headmaster and one of Harry Potter's greatest characters, Albus Dumbledore.
According to Variety's sources, Bridge Of Spies Oscar winner and British acting legend Mark Rylance is at the top of HBO's casting wishlist to play the Wizarding World's one-time Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Now, it's imperative to note that at this stage no negotiations over the role have been entered between Warner Bros. and Rylance, who can currently be seen reprising the role of Thomas Cromwell in BBC's Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light, but the fact that the studio is reaching out to gage potential interest and availability is something of a statement of intent all the same. Put it this way, it's something at least a little more concrete to chew over than Gary Oldman saying, “Maybe in a few years, I could do Dumbledore,” as we covered in September.
Whilst Rylance's people have yet to comment on the story, in a somewhat rare move that surely only adds credibility to Variety's claims, a rep for HBO did offer comment to the trade, saying: "We appreciate that such a high profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals.”
As we noted when Gary Oldman expressed interest in returning to the Wizarding World someday, Richard Harris was 71 years old when he first played Dumbledore, whilst Michael Gambon — who took over the role from Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban onwards following Harris' passing — was 63 when he first put on the legendary headmaster's cloak and wizard fez. Mark Rylance is, at time of writing, 64 — so age-wise, he certainly wouldn't be a bad fit for the part if he can and would want to commit to seven seasons of prestige TV. Plus, if the remit is as it was for the films — ie a strict 'Only National Treasures Teach At Hogwarts' policy — then Rylance would most certainly fit the bill. It's all very curious (not to mention promising) stuff, indeed. But for now at least, we shall heed old Albus' wise words, and exercise caution with our curiosity.