According to a new report veteran actor Mark Rylance is being courted for the role of Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter series. The open casting process for the three lead child stars just recently closed and it seems as though HBO is getting on with the adult cast.

Who is next on the list of important roles to cast? Probably Albus Dumbledore, the greatest Wizard in the series and leader of the forces of good. Dumbledore also happens to be the headmaster of Hogwarts. He’s a central character in all of the books, even the one he was dead in.

Well according to Variety, one of the names strongly being looked at is veteran actor Mark Rylance.

‘Mark Rylance is at the top of the casting wishlist for the new HBO “Harry Potter” adaptation, Variety has learned from sources familiar with the project.’

‘Rylance, who is starring as Thomas Cromwell in the highly-anticipated BBC period drama “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light” (based on Hilary Mantel’s novel), is in the mix for Dumbledore, according to inside buzz.’

‘Variety understands that Warner Bros. Television hasn’t yet entered into negotiations with the actor, but the studio has reached out to gauge interest and availability.’

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Rylance is currently 64, and this would be a commitment for at least the next ten years. In fact, possibly more depending on how quick they can churn these series out. Therefore, he could decide to turn it down. I did honestly wonder if HBO might go even younger than that for Dumbledore. They could just use effects to age him up. Rylance as it is will need to be made to look older than he is anyway.

Of course this caused issues in the movie series also as I’m sure you know. Richard Harris sadly passed away just after completing work on Chamber of Secrets. This meant WB had to recast the role with Michael Gambon for the final films.

I wonder who’s next in level of importance in casting beyond kids roles? I’d say Snape, followed by Hagrid would be next in order.

What do you think of Mark Rylance as Albus Dumbledore as WB are said to be courting the actor for HBO’s Harry Potter series? Thoughts below as always.

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