“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” The enigmatic and wise headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most beloved characters in the Harry Potter universe. Iconic Irish talents, the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, both brought their unique takes on the legendary character. Harris’s version of Dumbledore was gentler and more grandfatherly, whereas Gambon’s take on the character was more dramatic and intense. The late Irish veteran also brought out bits of the character’s darker personal, especially in Order of the Phoenix (2007) and The Half-Blood Prince (2009). And we think there’s one more guy who could take the iconic HP character to new and unexplored heights. He is none other than Gary Oldman!
IndieWire interviewed Oldman at the 76th Primetime Emmys about whether he would reprise his role as Sirius Black in the upcoming HBO’s Harry Potter TV series. The Academy Award-winning actor doesn’t anticipate he’ll be reprising his role, but he does disclose his love for Black.
“I love Sirius. He wasn’t in it enough. He turned up and then he went through the veil,” Oldman said.
Sirius Black is a fan-favorite character, but his screen time in the movies was less extensive than Dumbledore’s. So, Oldman’s hesitation to reprise the role is understandable. However, he is open to returning to the HP universe in an entirely new role.
“I would bet my money that they will get a whole new cast of people. Maybe in a few years, I could do Dumbledore.”
An open casting call for the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione has commenced in the UK, and it’s expected that other characters will be cast soon. But we don’t know whether any actors from the HP movies will reprise their respective characters in the upcoming series. According to rumours, HBO seeks an entirely new slate of performers for the show.
Yes, Oldman is a great talent and knows how to bestow commanding performances. He could add new dimensions and more depth to the character’s arc. But we also have to keep in mind that Black’s death is a crucial part of the Harry Potter narrative, and it has left a lasting impression on fans of both the books and the movies. A large portion of the HP fanbase may not accept Oldman as Dumbledore. Let’s see what happens. Stay tuned for more updates.