The headmaster of Hogwarts is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise and recent literature. He mentors Harry and, beyond the original series, was also a central character in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Although Rylance would have a mountain to climb if he were to play Dumbledore, I really think he’s a fantastic choice for the role and a promising sign for the series if HBO can pull it off.

Warner Bros.

Dumbledore is one of the most iconic characters in modern literature.

A worthy successor to the actors who preceded him

While younger characters, like Harry, will likely be played by unknowns, as we’ve heard about the huge casting processHBO must turn to acclaimed and well-known actors to play the adult characters in the TV series.

Richard Harris and Michael Gambon took on the role of Albus Dumbledore in the original film series. Harris portrayed the character in the first two films until his death, in which Gambon stepped in and played the role for the remainder of the franchise.

Even in Fantastic Beasts, Jude Law was cast to play a younger version of the Hogwarts legend.

Mark Rylance is on par, if not more acclaimed, than all of these other great actors. He is an Academy Award-winning performer who has made a name for himself in theater, film, and television. Announcing Rylance as Dumbledore and having this be the first major casting confirmation for the TV series would be a massive win.

While I remain ambivalent about the TV series in its grand scheme, HBO’s decision to honor the legacy of the great actors who played the roles is a good sign. In the same way that there is anticipation every time a new Batman or James Bond is released, Dumbledore is a character that deserves to be treated with the same level of seriousness.

I’m now excited to hear who else HBO is considering to play Professor McGonagall, Sirius Black, Severus Snape and others, something I wasn’t feeling before the announcement that Rylance might be on board as Dumbledore .

The chance to have a more precise Dumbledore in the book

Anyone who is a fan of the Harry Potter series knows that Dumbledore is one of the most controversial characters in the franchise. Many wonder if he is a true hero or more of a villain.

Regardless of where you stand on the matter, Rylance is a fantastic choice to bring all of these facets of Dumbledore to the table and, with the TV format, have the space and time to do so in a way that reflects the character that we all know. the books.

While adaptations always change roles to fit the new media format, Dumbledore’s characterization in the films leaves much to be desired. Rather than being the stoic, wise and mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus felt more brash and flippant than he should have been.

Warner Bros.

Rylance has all the makings of a more precise Dumbledore

Rylance exudes mystery and authority. His Oscar-winning performance in Bridge of Spy is the best example of this. Knowing that HBO wants to secure Rylance in the role of Dumbledore is a good sign that they don’t want to rehash and remake the films but instead take inspiration from the source material.

HBO isn’t afraid to make Dumbledore gay

Although Rylance was married to the composer and playwright Claire van Kampen, he never defied convention in his roles. I first saw Rylance’s performance during a production of Twelfth Night, in which he played the role of Olivia.

Choosing an actor who isn’t afraid to play roles that others might not be comfortable playing, such as playing a woman in a Shakespearean play, is the exact type of choice Dumbledore needs.

After years of speculation about his sexuality, author JK Rowling confirmed that Dumbledore was gay and had a romantic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, something that was sort of (but barely) explored in the Fantastic films. Beast.

BBC

Mark Rylance isn’t one to shy away from risky roles.

Of course, I’m not saying that HBO needs to incorporate a queer romance for Dumbledore into the new adaptation, but just knowing that Rylance is an actor who won’t be afraid to exploit that aspect of the character is so exciting.

Given all the controversy surrounding the lack of diversity in the Harry Potter franchise, whether it’s people of color or LGBTQ+ representation, casting Rylance to play Albus is a telling sign that HBO is eager to modernize the franchise.

Coupled with the fact that Rowling is directly involved in the TV series, it’s important to know that HBO isn’t going to shy away from these things to convince fans who aren’t interested in seeing this new adaptation.

This is essential to its success and is also a great way to reinvigorate the Harry Potter franchise.