There is a clear favorite to play Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO series. Image source: Warner Bros.
In 2026, letters for aspiring witches and wizards will be distributed again – unfortunately we Muggles will have to come away empty-handed. In return, HBO will let us take part in the adventures of Harry Potter again as soon as the planned series reboot starts.
Of course, the new students at Hogwarts will be there Albus Dumbledore received – and perhaps we already know who will portray the headmaster. Loud Variety HBO has a clear favorite for the role: Mark Rylance.
Will Mark Rylance become Dumbledore for HBO?
Film fans are likely to see the 64-year-old actor from productions like Bridge of Spies, Dunkirk, Ready Player One or BFG: Big Friendly Giant know. Rylance has worked with industry giants such as Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan in the past.
Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies – the now 64-year-old actor was awarded the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. Image source: Disney/20th Century Fox
However, please note: Mark Rylance hasn’t been cast as Dumbledore yet! In fact, there have been no negotiations between HBO and the actor at this point.
Instead, Rylance is at the top of HBO’s wish list for Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, while they have already put out feelers about his interest and availability.
If Rylance, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Bridge of Spies, actually becomes Dumbledore, he would be the fourth actor in the role. Previously they brushed against each other Richard Harris (Harry Potter 1-2), Michael Gambon (Harry Potter 3-8) and Jude Law (Fantastic Beasts 2-3) wear the wizard’s robe.
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Jude Law appears as Dumbledore in the trailer for Fantastic Beasts 2
What else you should know about the Harry Potter series
In the meantime, there are still no information on the casting of Harry, Ron and Hermione for the new TV series. Since it is scheduled to start in 2026, concrete information should not be long in coming.
A specific release date is currently not known for the reboot of Harry Potter Francesca Gardiner (Succession) responsible. The showrunner works with the director Mark Mylod (Game of Thrones), who directs several episodes.
The Harry Potter series under HBO is supposed to stick very faithfully to JK Rowling’s original and devote a season to each of the seven novels. The US broadcaster is planning a total period of ten years. In the meantime, at least Fantastic Beasts has worked out in the cinema.
