Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour, Slow Horses) believes HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series has an opportunity to give fans something the original films could not. According to Deadline, Oldman, who played Sirius Black across several installments of the film franchise, said the television format will allow the new adaptation to include more material from the books.

The actor explained that the films were forced to leave out character details and other material because of their limited runtimes. “We had to cut a lot, and still we could only get the films down to, like, three hours,” Oldman said. He believes the HBO series will adapt the books much more closely, which he thinks could make the experience “more satisfying” for viewers.

Deadline notes that, looking back, Oldman said he remains grateful to have been part of the franchise and described its success as a “phenomenon.” He also credited filmmaker Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire) for establishing the world and assembling the original cast.

As mxdwn previously covered, HBO recently released the second trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, giving audiences a closer look at the new Hogwarts and its cast. The footage showed several moments from Harry’s first year, including his Sorting Ceremony, scenes on the Quidditch pitch and an interaction with Professor Severus Snape.

That closer look supports the kind of expanded adaptation Oldman is describing. The television series has more room to revisit Harry’s first year at Hogwarts and spend time with characters and moments that had to be condensed for the films.

Dominic McLaughlin (Grow, Gifted) stars as Harry Potter, while John Lithgow (The Crown, Dexter) plays Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer (Ozark, The White Queen) portrays Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Gangs of London) plays Severus Snape, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) stars as Rubeus Hagrid.

Francesca Gardiner (Succession, Killing Eve) wrote and executive produced the series, while Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu) will executive produce and direct multiple episodes. Whether HBO’s version proves more satisfying remains for viewers to decide, but the series is preparing to give the story considerably more room when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres December 25 on HBO.