Before Jason Isaacs played a snooty hotel guest on The White Lotus, he starred in one of the most beloved fantasy franchises of all-time: Harry Potter. With HBO’s reboot coming up, the actor, who played Lucius Malfoy in the original movies, has revealed who he wants to take over the role in the new series. While fans have been fan-casting the various roles since the moment the show was announced, Isaacs’ choice might upset some people. While fans want stars like Matt Smith, or even Tom Felton (who played Draco Malfoy in the movies) to take over as Lucius, Isaacs’ choice is a bit more left-field… because it’s none other than Meryl Streep!
During an interview with Variety, Jason Isaacs was asked about who he would want to take over from him in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. “She can do anything that woman,” Isaacs said after admitting he wants to see Meryl Streep play Lucius Malfoy in the new show. “There’s literally no limit to what she can do.” He’s not wrong, as Streep is easily one of the most lauded actors working today, having won three Oscars and counting. There is undoubtedly a section of the fan base that would embrace the unconventional casting. However, given how some fans have reacted to the casting announcements so far, it would also cause a great deal of backlash.
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It’s clear that Jason Isaacs’ choice was in jest. The actor is apparently happy to leave HBO to its own devices for the new show, and is trying to stay out of the conversation regarding the casting process. When asked if he has any advice for the next Lucius Malfoy, Isaacs said that whoever takes over the role won’t need his advice. “I wouldn’t have any advice at all [for whoever plays him],” he said, continuing:
“Why would I bother? I know some of the people they’re casting already. They’re brilliant actors. It’s going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me.”
Who Is Starring in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot?
HBO appears to be taking its time with the casting for the upcoming Harry Potter series, as fans have been slowly drip-fed information over the past few weeks. John Lithgow has officially been cast as Professor Dumbledore in the reboot. Meanwhile, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are currently in talks to star as Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, respectively.
The casting process is still ongoing for the leading trio, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. Fans are expecting the trio to be announced last, partly due to the overly excited fan base and also because it is the most important casting decision for the entire show. The series is being led by Mark Mylod and Francesca Gardiner, with the latter acting as showrunner. Most controversially for the series, J.K. Rowling is serving as an executive producer on the series. When asked about Rowling’s involvement, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, Casey Bloys dodged around the question, saying:
“J.K. is a very online conversation… It’s very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into. Our priority is what’s on-screen.”
Source: Variety
