Jared Harris, known for his roles in Mad Men and Foundation, has made it clear that he will not be taking on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series reboot. The show has stirred up quite a buzz as it plans to feature new actors in the familiar roles of Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
While some actors, like Gary Oldman, have expressed interest in joining the project, Harris has firmly declined the opportunity. In a recent interview, he stated, “No, thank you. Also, I mean, why do it? I don’t understand. The films were fantastic – leave them alone.” Despite his decision, Harris did acknowledge that the TV series could delve into aspects of the story that were not explored in the films.
Reflecting on his father, Richard Harris, who originally portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, Jared Harris shared insights into the late actor’s life. He mentioned a documentary he worked on, titled The Ghost of Richard Harris, which aimed to capture the essence of his father’s personality and experiences. Harris revealed that his father had started writing his autobiography while in the hospital, but unfortunately, his notes were thrown out by a nurse.
Currently, Jared Harris can be seen in the film Reawakening, where he stars alongside Juliet Stevenson and Erin Doherty. The movie, directed by Virginia Gilbert, follows a couple as they navigate old tensions resurfacing when their daughter returns after disappearing as a teenager.
As the Harry Potter franchise continues to captivate audiences, the decision of actors to participate in the upcoming TV series reboot is garnering attention. While some are eager to take on familiar roles, others, like Jared Harris, prefer to cherish the original films and let them stand on their own. The legacy of Richard Harris as Dumbledore remains untouched, preserving the essence of the beloved character for fans around the world.