The Harry Potter reboot may be looking for some unknowns to play the part of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but fans are expecting some well-known British actors to play the part of the adults.
Albus Dumbledore looms over the entire Potter series, and Variety reports that Mark Rylance (BFG, Ready Player One) is being eyed to play the Hogwarts headmaster. No deal has apparently been made, but WB is said to have already reached out to ‘gauge interest and availability’.
So far, the role of Dumbledore has been played by Richard Harris, Michael Gambon in the Potter movies, and most recently Jude Law in the Fantastic Beasts films. Richard Harris’ son Jared Harris (Chernobyl) was asked if he was interested in taking on the role, but he said that he didn’t think a reboot was needed for the series.
Going back to Rylance though, it does seem like he’s perfect for the part. Though Dumbledore is known to be a very wizened character, it’s still essential that he comes off as kind of goofy and aloof—and Rylance has played those kinds of characters before.
Admittedly, the films never really seemed to nail how odd Dumbledore was and he was just kept incredibly serious (but gentle) in the latter films.
If Max is going the reboot route, I guess I would want them to make it as unique from the original films as possible, and a Rylance Dumbledore could be the first key.
Hopefully we get an official update soon. The Potter reboot is yet to have a release date.
