Gary Oldman, who famously portrayed Sirius Black in the Harry Potter franchise, recently sparked some buzz by joking that he might be open to returning to the Wizarding World in a new role. The twist? He doesn’t want to reprise his role as Harry’s godfather but joked about taking on the iconic part of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO reboot.
Oldman’s Thoughts on the Reboot
Speaking to Indiewire, Oldman humorously commented on the possibility of making a comeback in the Harry Potter universe. While he believes Warner Bros. Discovery is likely casting an entirely new ensemble, he quipped, “Maybe in a few years, I could do Dumbledore.”
The actor shared a genuine fondness for his portrayal of Sirius Black, saying, “I love Sirius. He wasn’t in it enough. He turned up, and then he went through the veil.” For fans, this refers to the bittersweet moment in Order of the Phoenix when Sirius Black tragically dies. Though Oldman’s portrayal left a lasting impression, his joke about being old enough to play Dumbledore highlights the actor’s recognition that a new generation of wizards is coming soon.
What We Know About the HBO Harry Potter Series
As Gary Oldman mentioned, the casting process for HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is well underway. With the new series aiming to retell J.K. Rowling’s beloved books over several seasons, it’s no surprise that Warner Bros. Discovery is hunting for fresh faces. The open casting call, aimed at young actors between the ages of 9 and 11 from the UK and Ireland, is already generating excitement. The casting announcement also hinted that production is set to begin around April 2025.
Though Oldman is likely correct in assuming the studio will cast a new Sirius Black, the actor’s playful willingness to explore other roles speaks to his enduring connection with the franchise. Oldman’s portrayal of Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) made Sirius a fan favorite. His evolution from a supposed villain to Harry’s trusted godfather brought depth and warmth to the character.
The Future of the Wizarding World
With the reboot set to reimagine the story from the ground up, it’s understandable that the show will feature an entirely new cast to fill the massive shoes left by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. However, Oldman’s lighthearted comments show that even veteran actors like himself remain enthusiastic about the world of Hogwarts.
Whether Gary Oldman ultimately dons the robes of Dumbledore or not, his joke has reminded fans why they loved him as Sirius in the first place—and why the excitement for the new Harry Potter series is already brewing.
Are you excited about the HBO reboot, or do you think the magic of the original movies is irreplaceable? Let us know!