HBO just might have found their head honcho for the Hogwarts faculty lounge! Rumor has it that Oscar winner and professional wizard-impersonator Mark Rylance is on the top of the casting list to play none other than Professor Albus “Long Beard” Dumbledore in HBO’s ambitious (and slightly terrifying) seven-season Harry Potter TV series. That’s right—SEVEN seasons. They’re coming for every single magical moment you barely remember from the books, in extended HD!
According to Variety, Rylance is the “chosen one” of the casting team, sitting prettily at the top of the wishlist to become the wise and weirdly cryptic headmaster we all love. Although no formal owl-mail contract negotiations have taken place yet, the studio’s reached out, possibly with an enchanted mirror, to check if Mark’s interested and, you know, free for a decade of wizarding commitment.
Now, if you’re not familiar with Rylance’s work, here’s a quick rundown: He’s the Oscar-winning actor who stole the show in Bridge of Spies by whispering a few sentences, dominated the screen in The BFG as a big friendly giant, wowed us in Ready Player One, gave justice to The Trial of the Chicago 7, creeped us out in Bones and All, and probably wore a nice suit in The Outfit. Basically, he’s got the range to play anyone from your kindly next-door neighbor to a centuries-old headmaster with questionable beard hygiene.
So, what’s HBO saying about all this? Are they casting spells to keep things under wraps?
The network’s rep released a rather formal (and very Dumbledore-ish) statement, saying: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.” Translation: “We hear you, Potterheads, but our lips are magically sealed. Also, it might just be a casting rumor, so don’t start shopping for elder wands just yet.”
Until the magic contract appears, all we can do is wait, watch, and hope that Rylance’s beard-growing game is strong.
