Harris Rejects Potter Reboot

Jared Harris has firmly expressed that he has no intention of reprising his late father Richard Harris’s iconic role as Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot. The new series, which has already sparked debate among fans, aims to bring back beloved characters with a fresh cast. Casting for Harry, Ron, and Hermione is already underway, signaling the beginning of a highly anticipated production.

While some actors, such as Gary Oldman (Sirius Black in the original films), have shown interest in taking on new roles in the series — Oldman has even hinted at a desire to play Dumbledore — Harris is not among them. In a recent interview, he outright rejected the idea of stepping into his father's shoes, saying, “No, thank you.”

Richard Harris, who passed away in 2002, originally portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. His role was later taken over by Michael Gambon, who continued to embody the character until the conclusion of the series. With Gambon’s recent death in September 2023, the legacy of those who have played the wise headmaster feels even more poignant.

Speaking with The Independent during their "Go to Bat" series, Harris voiced his bewilderment at the decision to revisit the beloved franchise. "The films were fantastic—leave them alone," he remarked, echoing the thoughts of many fans who believe the original adaptations perfectly captured the magic of J.K. Rowling's world.

Despite his criticism, Harris acknowledged that the original films left out much of the rich detail from the books, which a TV series could potentially explore in greater depth. His views are deeply influenced by his personal experiences, including his work on a 2016 documentary about his father titled The Ghost of Richard Harris. In the project, Harris revealed an emotional family story: his father had begun writing his autobiography in the hospital before his death, but the unfinished manuscript was tragically discarded by a nurse.

Currently, Harris is starring in the film Reawakening, directed by Virginia Gilbert. He shares the screen with Juliet Stevenson and Erin Doherty in a drama about a family dealing with deep-seated conflicts as their long-lost daughter returns.