HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series has sparked renewed interest in the Wizarding World. Positioned as a more faithful, decade-long adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original books, the project is already being treated as one of Warner Bros. Discovery’s tentpole titles.
The series is expected to feature an entirely new cast. But as development ramps up, attention has turned to the actors who once defined the franchise—and whether they might return in any form.
So far, the reactions have been split.
Rupert Grint has left the door open. Though he’s no longer active in the franchise, Grint has expressed that he would consider returning “if the timing was right and everyone was coming back.” He added, “It was a character that was important to me, we kind of became the same person… I’m protective of him as well. It was my whole childhood.”
It’s not a firm commitment, but it does suggest interest—especially if the right opportunity presents itself.
Tom Felton has been similarly supportive. Best known for playing Draco Malfoy, Felton has remained closely tied to the fan base and the broader franchise. Over the years, he’s made it clear that he would be open to a cameo or supporting role. He’s even joked publicly about ways he could be worked in, whether as a teacher or a more unexpected figure.
While major roles seem unlikely, their comments leave the possibility of appearances—or symbolic handoffs—on the table.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter across all eight films, has taken a more definitive stance. He has confirmed that he won’t be part of the reboot, saying, “I think it’s very much like they’re going for a new series. There would be somebody else playing Harry. So I think it would be very weird for me to show up.”
Radcliffe has long voiced appreciation for the role but has consistently signaled that he prefers to move forward in his career rather than revisit past work.
Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, has not commented directly on the reboot. However, her recent years have focused more on activism, directing, and creative consulting. In past interviews, she’s expressed a desire to engage only with projects that align with her values and long-term goals. At present, a return to the Wizarding World doesn’t appear to be a priority.
With the series still in early development, casting has not yet been finalized. The showrunners have emphasized a clean-slate approach, suggesting the core trio and supporting cast will all be newly selected.
That may ultimately be for the best. Nostalgia can be powerful, but leaning too heavily on legacy actors might undermine the goal of giving the material a fresh identity. Still, the possibility of a few familiar faces returning in subtle, unexpected ways remains an intriguing open question.
For now, the baton is being passed—and for most of the original cast, it looks like it’s being handed off for good.
