Actors We Would Love To See In The ‘Harry Potter’ Series Part 1

TV & Film

May 9

It's been a few weeks since it was announced that a seven-season, decades-long Harry Potter series was in the works at HBO Max, and it is still one of the most talked about topics on social media. While many fans have been discussing spin-offs they hope to see and things that they want to see included in the series, a majority of fans have moved on to discussing who they want to see bring these beloved characters to life. There will never be anyone that could replace the actors that first brought them to the screen, but with a new series comes the opportunity to get versions of the characters that are a bit closer to the book. Let’s take a look at the first round of actors I’d love to see in the new series!

15. Dustin Demri-Burns: Vernon Dursley

Dustin is mostly known for his role as Min Harper on Apple TV’s Slow Horses, but a glance at his filmography shows how dynamic of an actor he is. In the books, Uncle Vernon is scarier than he is portrayed in the movies, and Dustin would be perfect for the role of a comedic yet terrifying character.

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14. Gillian Anderson: Petunia Dursley

Gillian is one of the most talented actresses in the industry, in my opinion. She has portrayed villains, heroes, and gray characters so far in her career, and to each role she brings a persona that is unique to her. She is most notably known for playing Dana Scully in The X-Files. Aunt Petunia is a truly unique character whom Fiona Shaw did a flawless job with. I genuinely think that the only person in the industry that could do this character justice would be Gillian Anderson.

13. Tim Curry: The Sorting Hat

Tim Curry needs no introduction as every person on the planet knows that he is an absolute legend. Unfortunately, after suffering from a stroke we don’t get to see him doing as much work which is why I think that voicing the Sorting Hat would be the perfect role! In the book, the Sorting Hat has a song that he sings which was unfortunately removed from the films. Tim Curry has a great voice, so he could not only bring a fascinating persona to the character, but he could also give us the song from the books!

12. Belinda Bromilow: Molly Weasley

I love Mrs. Weasley, and she is easily one of my favorite characters in the franchise. Belinda is mostly known for her role as Aunt Elizabeth in Hulu’s The Great. This role is honestly so similar to Molly Weasley that when I heard about the new series she was the first person that popped into my head.

11. Martin Freeman: Arthur Weasley

Martin Freeman is most notably known for his role as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit films, but he has been in just about everything at this point. He not only has the personality of Arthur Weasley, but he also has a similar facial structure! This casting choice is a no-brainer!

10. Cillian Murphy: James Potter

Cillian is most notably known for his role as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, but he is an incredibly dynamic actor that I think would make a great James Potter. Not only does he give off the same vibe, but he also looks like the character!

9. Rose Leslie: Lily Potter

Rose is most notably known for her role as Ygritte in Game of Thrones. She has a great personality and a motherly quality that would make a great Lily Potter. I also think she looks a bit like the character I always pictured.

8. Richard Armitage: Severus Snape

Richard Armitage is most notably known for his role as Thorin in The Hobbit films. If anyone could step into Alan Rickman’s shoes it would be him. He is a dynamic actor that I feel has been criminally underused in the industry. Both men carry themselves in similar ways, and I could actually picture Richard in the Snape costume.

7. Liam Cunningham: Albus Dumbledore

Liam is known for his role as Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones. Not only does he look a bit like Jude Law who brought young Dumbledore to life in the Fantastic Beasts films, but he just feels like a Dumbledore. In the books, Dumbledore is a bit whimsical and shares very few similarities with the more serious character we get in the films. Liam has shown his humorous side more than once, especially with his cameos on Hulu’s Solar Opposites. He is the perfect actor to bring Dumbledore from the books to life.

6. Helen Mirren: Minerva McGonagall

Helen Mirren is a legend that needs no introduction. She is the only person I can imagine stepping into Maggie Smith’s shoes as Minerva McGonagall. In the books, McGonagall is a bit sillier and more animated than the character we get in the movies, and Helen Mirren fits this perfectly. She also has voiced a desire to join the franchise, and she expertly hosted HBO Max’s Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses.

5. Graham McTavish: Hagrid

No one will ever be able to replace Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid which made this the most difficult character for me to fancast. Graham is mostly known for his role as Dwalin in The Hobbit films, but most recently he is known for playing Sir Harrold Westerling on House of the Dragon. He is a dynamic actor who has shown that he can easily play a character who is protective, humorous, and intimidating. In the books, Hagrid is a bit more intimidating and confrontational than the character we got in the movies, and I think that Graham is the perfect actor for this!

4. Andy Serkis: Lord Voldemort

Andy Serkis is another actor who needs no introduction. His voice acting and motion-capture work are legendary and have brought us so many of our favorite characters. I don’t think that there is anyone else on the planet that could play this role and do it justice.

3. Joshua Pickering: Ron Weasley

Joshua is a newer actor who is mostly known for his role as John Darling in Peter Pan & Wendy. Since he is still new to the industry, it will be easier for him to fit into the role seamlessly. He has the perfect personality to take on this role, and he even looks like little Ron Weasley!

2. Vivien Lyra Blair: Hermoine Granger

Vivien is mostly known for her role as Leia Organa in Obi-Wan Kenobi. This casting choice may be a hot take because she is not a young British actor, but she is the perfect Hermione Granger, in my opinion. Emma Watson’s portrayal of the character was amazing, but it left out quite a bit of her sass that is so fun in the books. If you have ever seen a video of Vivien at any of the cons then you know exactly why I chose her for this role!

1. Roman Griffin Davis: Harry Potter

Roman is another new actor, and he is mostly known for his role as Jojo in Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit. He is a fantastic young actor who I think would have no trouble stepping into such an important role. He is a bit older than the character, but he looks the part and will be able to bring a great personality to the role.

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