Summary
The success of the original Harry Potter movies was due to genius casting decisions, and the upcoming HBO remake should follow suit.
The remake should feature well-known and adored actors for the adult roles, guiding the storyline until the young stars can take over. Reuniting the original Harry Potter actors, although a difficult task, would delight fans and infuse the remake with a nostalgic touch.
The original Harry Potter movies gained their success through brilliant casting choices, and the upcoming HBO remake should follow in their footsteps. Warner Bros faces a challenging task in continuing the legacy of Harry's story, and there are potential pitfalls that need to be avoided. A faithful TV remake presents an opportunity to showcase cut book scenes, but it also means departing from the familiar faces of the original Harry Potter cast. Recasting will pose a challenge, but taking inspiration from the casting choices of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone could lead to a successful outcome.
When Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone hit the screens in 2001, actors like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were relatively unknown. These young actors had not yet proven themselves, so it was unlikely that they would bring an existing fan base to the budding franchise. However, director Chris Columbus made the bold decision to cast legendary British actors in the adult roles, expanding the audience and positioning the Harry Potter films as more than just children's movies. As HBO embarks on their Harry Potter TV remake, they can create a similar impact by making wise casting choices once again.
The Harry Potter Remake Must Cast Familiar Actors For The Adult Roles
Actors such as Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), and Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) had already garnered respect and admiration prior to their roles in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Almost every adult actor in the film was already an icon, which compelled even those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter books to buy tickets and watch the movie in theaters. As the film series progressed, stars like Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson grew in their acting abilities and held their own in carrying the films. However, the initial Harry Potter movies relied heavily on the exceptional adult cast.
Now, as HBO and Warner Bros prepare to replace the Harry Potter cast for the remake, a similar approach is required. New young stars will be brought in to portray the student roles, which will be even more challenging for fans since they have become accustomed to a certain level of acting in the franchise. This means that experienced, familiar, and beloved actors will once again be crucial in the adult roles to drive the storyline until the young stars can do so independently.
Can Any Movie Actors Reprise Their Adult Roles In The Harry Potter Remake?
The Harry Potter remake will require actors for adult roles, but it may not suffice to just bring in any famous performers. Fans will expect a nostalgic touch in the reboot, making it advantageous to include some of the original stars. However, given the passage of over 20 years, this task won't be easy. Harry Potter enthusiasts have had to bid farewell to actors such as Rickman, Coltrain, and most recently, Michael Gambon.
Nevertheless, there are a few Harry Potter actors who could potentially reprise their roles in the remake. David Bradley would be an outstanding choice for Argus Filch, Miriam Margolyes could excel as Professor Sprout, and it's difficult to envision anyone other than Emma Thompson as Professor Trelawney. Additionally, it's plausible that those who initially joined the Harry Potter franchise as young actors with limited experience could now return to portray adult characters. Tom Felton might relish the opportunity to play the father of his previous character, Lucius Malfoy, and either James or Oliver Phelps could be a perfect fit for Mr. Weasley. The availability of actors for the Harry Potter remake will ultimately determine who can return, but seeing a few familiar faces would be warmly received.