10 Harry Potter veterans we want to see return for HBO's Harry Potter reboot

The Harry Potter saga is being rebooted by HBO, to take a whole new generation into the world of witchcraft, wizardry, and magical adventures. New faces will play the iconic characters created by J.K. Rowling in her book series. Many fans, however, would hope for some of the original Harry Potter film franchise cast to return in the upcoming series, maybe with new and exciting twists. The Wizarding World provides a vast scope for characters to be reimagined by veteran actors in different roles. A return of these Hollywood personalities would not just elicit nostalgia but give the series a sense of continuity. Legendary actors like Maggie Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Helena Bonham Carter could take on completely different characters in this new version, while stars like Tom Felton and Emma Watson may find themselves as older versions of their original roles.

From Hogwarts professors to powerful villains, we look at 10 Harry Potter veterans who could easily return to the magical realm in the HBO reboot. Wise mentors, strict enforcers, or mysterious individuals — the presence of these 10 actors from the films could enrich the series.

The following article reflects the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised

1) Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton was outstanding as the sadistic Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter franchise. An epitome of hate, she should definitely have a role in the HBO remake. She could be the headmistress of Hogwarts or gain entry in some other role entirely. Yet another interesting option for Staunton would be Bathilda Bagshot, the renowned historian and author of A History of Magic, who has somewhat creepy ties to the past of Voldemort.

2) Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes' Lord Voldemort is undeniably among the most terrifying villains of the modern cinematic era. The phenomenal actor, however, could change track seamlessly. It would be an interesting metamorphosis to see him play Albus Dumbledore, a character requiring a blend of warmth and authority. However, Fiennes could take another shot at playing villain, too — perhaps the calculating and morally ambiguous Rufus Scrimgeour, the man who ousts Fudge as Minister of Magic, or the haughty Phineas Nigellus Black, former headmaster at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, Fiennes has kept busy with his performance in the horror comedy, The Menu (2022), which again proved his prowess to imbue gravitas into a character.

3) Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter became a fan favorite as Wild-eyed Bellatrix Lestrange, but she could bring a touch of her signature on-screen madness into other roles of the Harry Potter world, too. She could portray the darker side again as the little known but powerful Dark Witch Euphemia Rowle. Madam Pince, the grumpy Hogwarts librarian, would also be a delight to watch if Bonham Carter chose to do a comic turn. After her Harry Potter stint, Bonham Carter has impressed in The Crown and Enola Holmes, proving how diverse she can be on screen.

4) Tom Felton

Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy excellently captured the arrogance of the privileged character. Now in his thirties, Felton could slip into the role of Lucius Malfoy with ease, taking over the role form Jason Isaacs. The thought of Felton playing his former on-screen dad would be fun for the fans. In real life, Felton has remained quite involved in the Harry Potter fandom, making convention appearances and even publishing his memoir, Beyond the Wand: The Magic of Editing (2022), about his time on set for the Harry Potter films. Playing Lucius Malfoy would seem like a natural progression for Felton, in the Wizarding World.

5) Emma Watson

Emma Watson could be back with a new role in the HBO Harry Potter series — say, a young Professor McGonagall, maybe in flashbacks or in an extended timeline. Wouldn't it just be perfect for Watson to essay a role that is defined by intelligence and commanding presence? Or, maybe she could try a tear-jerking cameo as Hermione's Muggle mother, adding an understated but moving impact to the drama. Post Harry Potter films, Watson has had a lot of time awat from the camera, focusing on activism and literature. A comeback appearance in the Harry Potter series would be exciting for the fans.

6) Jason Isaacs

Charismatic as he was, Jason Isaacs' portrayal of Lucius Malfoy was with an underlying sinister aura. With a return, he could take on a new position of power — as the Minister for Magic, filing the boots of Cornelius Fudge, or even as Rufus Scrimgeour, the man who had to negotiate the minefield of a turbulent political landscape. Another fascinating possibility for Isaacs could be playing Phineas Nigellus Black, Sirius Black's sarcastic and dismissive ancestor. Isaacs was seen playing Hollywood icon Cary Grant in the biopic series, Archie (2023).

7) David Thewlis

David Thewlis infused Remus Lupin with warmth and wisdom, thus making him one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter films. It would almost be like a walk in the park for Thewlis to step into Aberforth Dumbledore's shoes, Albus' gruff, no-nonsense brother. Aberforth has an important function to play in the later books, running Hog's Head Inn and aiding the resistance during the Battle of Hogwarts. Recently, Thewlis has impressed in works like The Sandman and Enola Holmes 2, showing that he invariably scores with layered and enigmatic roles.

8) Julie Walters

Julie Walters as Molly Weasley was one of the most cherished charaters among the array of mother figures in the Harry Potter film franchise. She was warm, humorous, and fiercely protective as Molly. Walters stepped back from acting due to health concerns after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in late 2018, but she has since recovered and is open to returning for the right projects. If she does return to the Wizarding World, Augusta Longbottom-Neville's stern but loving grandmother could be a fitting character. Augusta is a strong witch that raised Neville out of tough love, and Walters could make the character unforgettable through her special blend of sternness and heart.

9) Warwick Davis

One of the most eclectic performers in the whole Harry Potter film franchise has to be Warwick Davis, for he plays both Professor Flitwick and Griphook. This ability has makes him an asset for any Wizarding World production, for should he not return as Flitwick, he could easily reprise another goblin, a wise old ghost of Hogwarts or even a new Hogwarts professor. Davis maintains a deeply rooted bond with fantasy franchises, as he has recently returned as titular character in Disney's new series, Willow (2022). Given such long ties to the Harry Potter universe, he could be an obvious and welcome choice for the reboot series.

10) Gary Oldman

Along with his role as Harry's godfather, Gary Oldman could take over the role of Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the grizzled and paranoid, battle-hardened Auror who trains Harry in The Order of the Phoenix. Oldman's acknowledged ability to portray intense characters would be well-suited to the role. He has continued his impressive track record in recent works, especially as Jackson Lamb in the series, Slow Horses, where he plays a cynical but brilliant intelligence officer. Bringing Oldman as Mad-Eye, with all his gruff charm and seasoned authority, would be a dream come true casting for many fans.