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"We Will — Possibly — Even Be Erased From History": Original Harry Potter Star Gets Candid About TV Reboot's New Lucius Malfoy
Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs gets candid about the upcoming television reboot and a new Lucius Malfoy. The notorious Death Eater and father of Draco, Lucius first appeared in Chamber of Secrets and Isaacs’ portrayal has been admired by viewers. The announcement of an HBO Harry Potter reboot came in 2023, and theories have been swirling about the potential cast replacements. However, considering how long the movies ran for, audiences have grown familiar with Isaacs and other original stars in their respective roles.
During an interview with Collider, Isaacs reveals that it would be strange for someone else to play Lucius Malfoy, but shares his optimism for the television series. Although he will not be part of the Harry Potter reboot, Isaacs explains that “I could be upset about that if I chose to, but I’m trying to choose not to.” He then discusses the idea of being overshadowed by a new cast and how the original franchise stars may “even be erased from history.” Read Isaacs’ comments below:
It’s peculiar. Like you said, it’s the first time it happened. I don’t know what it’s like. I’m relatively sanguine about things I have no choice over. No point resenting things that are happening, or regretting things. And so, it is what it is. It’s going to be brilliant. I’ve been Lucius Malfoy for a long time. I guess I won’t be Lucius Malfoy for the next generation. I could be upset about that if I chose to, but I’m trying to choose not to. Your contemporaries are on the sides of buses or suddenly have unheard of unimaginable amounts of money. The fact that there’s another Harry Potter will supplant us, and we will — possibly — even be erased from history. It’s just what it is.
Isaacs goes on to praise David Heyman and Mark Mylod, who are producing the series, and notes that Lucius could end up looking different, because he created much of his appearance for the movies. Isaacs also reveals that his goddaughter, Ripley Parker, is working on the reboot, which “makes me love it and wish it well.” Read more of his comments below:
The series will be phenomenal because it’s David Heyman, and it’s Mark Mylod. Since I came up with the whole look for him, which isn’t in the book, I’m imagining they won’t use any of the things like the long blond wig or the capes and the cane and all that stuff. One of the writers is my goddaughter Ripley Parker, who’s a brilliant writer and has loved Harry Potter from the very first time she could touch the book. The fact that she’s in the writers’ room makes me love it and wish it well.
What This Means For Harry Potter
The TV Reboot Is Introducing A New Cast
Since the reboot was confirmed, some have questioned the timing and expressed concern about introducing an entirely new cast. The movies ended in 2011 with the release of Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which served as an emotional farewell to Daniel Radcliffe and others, who played their characters for nearly a decade. Beginning all over again entails change, which could benefit the television series when it comes to re-adapting the Harry Potter stories, but it is hard to imagine the original cast being forgotten.
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Part of what made Lucius so memorable in the films was, as Isaacs explained, he did not appear as originally described. Audiences primarily aware of his character through Isaacs performance may have certain expectations for the show, but details about Lucius, including the casting, have yet to be revealed. As of now, John Lithgow is confirmed for the role of Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, and Paapa Essiedu could potentially be joining the reboot as Severus Snape.
Even Without A Full Cast, The Reboot Show’s Choices Have Been Contested
Dumbledore Was The Source Of Scrutiny
While very few cast members have even been floated, let alone confirmed, for the Harry Potter series, fans of the franchise have already been quick to criticize the series. While the sage wizard was first rumored to be played by Mark Rylance, the Harry Potter show later had its first confirmed cast member be Lithgow. A lot of people who loved the original books and movies bemoaned this choice, noting that Lithgow is American. Fans cast doubt on whether the Oscar nominee could do a believable British accent for the role.
Given how monumental the Harry Potter franchise has become, among the highest-grossing of all time, it may be challenging to replace the actors responsible for bringing beloved characters to life.
The actor himself spoke up in response to this controversy. In a late February interview, he noted that he played Winston Churchill in The Crown, serving as evidence for his strong accent work. In addition, others have also come to Lithgow’s defense, noting the ways in which he would be well-suited for the role.
That said, a British actor stirred the pot a bit in the ongoing Dumbledore debate. Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan claimed that he would have accepted the role if offered. While he cast no ill will upon Lithgow, this will undoubtedly cause some audiences further annoyance as they wish a British man had been cast in the role. Isaacs is a British actor, who was beloved in his iconic Malfoy role, making it also likely harder for fans to see Harry Potter without him.
Our Take On The Harry Potter Reboot
The Films Will Stand On Their Own
Given how monumental the Harry Potter franchise has become, among the highest-grossing of all time, it may be challenging to replace the actors responsible for bringing beloved characters to life. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the official cast comes together, and whether Lucius bears any similarities to Isaacs’ portrayal. Regardless of how successful the HBO reboot is, which could draw a sizable audience, the movies will likely stand on their own, allowing viewers to enjoy both iterations.
Luckily for fans who bemoan the American casting, the other actors rumored to be in Harry Potter roles so far are British, including Essiedu as Snape, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall. As such, it seems that the series is largely straying away from casting actors from the movies, like Isaacs. This will starkly differentiate the two portrayals, forcing viewers to adjust to a Hogwarts without Isaacs and more.
Source: Collider
