Academy Award-winning actor Mark Rylance (The BFG, Ready Player One, The Outfit) has emerged as Warner Bros.’ top choice to portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, according to report from Comicbook.com. While Rylance has not yet entered formal discussions for the role, Warner Bros. is reportedly interested in bringing him on as the headmaster of Hogwarts, a character beloved for his wisdom, compassion, and pivotal role in guiding young Harry Potter and his friends.
According to Comicbook.com, Warner Bros. has promised a “faithful adaptation” of the novels. Each season will reportedly be dedicated to a single book, allowing for deeper explorations of key characters and storylines. The series comes as the studio seeks to revive fan enthusiasm for the Wizarding World following the mixed reception of the Fantastic Beasts films.
Rylance’s extensive acting credentials add to the allure of casting him. He earned critical acclaim and an Oscar for his role in Bridge of Spies, a performance noted for its subtlety and depth, qualities that would lend themselves well to the complex character of Dumbledore. As mentioned by Comicbook.com, his reputation for calm, composed portrayals aligns with Dumbledore’s role as a mentor and protector within Hogwarts, offering fans a new but familiar approach to the character.
The role of Dumbledore has a legacy in film, previously played by Richard Harris (Gladiator, Unforgiven, A Man Called Horse) in the first two Harry Potter movies before Michael Gambon (Sleepy Hollow, Open Range, Paddington) took over following Harris’s passing. Rylance’s possible involvement would continue this lineage, giving audiences a new Dumbledore while respecting the character’s established essence. Fans will recall that Dumbledore’s presence grows significantly throughout the first six books, making him a central figure for much of the series.
According to Comicbook.com, casting for the new series has only just begun, and Warner Bros. is still in the early stages of assembling its lineup. Earlier this year, the studio launched an open casting call for children aged 9 to 11 to play the leading trio: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The decision to extend casting to young actors is in keeping with the studio’s goal to bring a fresh perspective to each character, capturing the early years of Hogwarts life with a new generation of talent.
Meanwhile, fans have speculated about who could portray other prominent Hogwarts figures, such as Snape and McGonagall. Some actors from the original film series have even expressed interest in returning, including Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, Léon, The Dark Knight), who played Sirius Black, hinting that he’d consider stepping into the role of Dumbledore if asked.
Although Rylance would be a strong candidate to embody Dumbledore’s layered personality, he has yet to commit. Comicbook.com says the role could demand a significant time investment, potentially impacting his availability for other projects. Should he take on the role, Rylance would be a guiding force for the young cast members and help to anchor the series, which has a lot riding on its success.