As excitement builds for the upcoming television reboot of the Harry Potter franchise on Max, actor Jared Harris, son of the original Dumbledore, Richard Harris, expresses his reservations about revisiting the beloved series.
In an interview with The Independent, Harris voiced his confusion over the decision to adapt the franchise into a television format. “No, thank you,” he stated when asked if he would consider stepping into his father’s shoes as Dumbledore. “Also, I mean, why do it? I don’t understand. The films were fantastic – leave them alone.”
Despite his criticism, Harris acknowledged that the new series could potentially delve into storylines that the films did not cover. This insight comes as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to adapt J.K. Rowling’s seven novels into a streaming series, aiming for a “faithful adaptation” with each season dedicated to a single book.
Richard Harris, who portrayed the iconic Hogwarts headmaster in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72. After his death, Michael Gambon took over the role for the remainder of the film series.
Harris’s comments highlight a broader conversation among fans and critics regarding the necessity and timing of the reboot. In April, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans for the adaptation, with Rowling serving as an executive producer despite facing recent controversies.
HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon, and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all these years.”
As the project progresses, fans await to see how the series will balance honoring the original films while exploring new narratives within Rowling’s extensive wizarding universe.
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