Recasting The Harry Potter Movies! | Harry Potter Film Theory 

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I love that idea for Lockhart that he's even lying about being British

You went one way with Thor as Lockhart. I'll go the other and suggest Tom Hiddleston as Lockhart. (Just imagine Loki saying "Hardly any of you remember that my favourite colour is lilac")

I still think that if Daniel Radcliff would be cast as any other HP character, it would have to be Harry's own father, James Potter.

Honestly the one exception to the "brits" rule I'd personally make is having Adam Driver play Snape. He just HAS the look.

The age of the actors playing The Marauders is sooo important imo. They really need to be in their late 20s early 30s to keep one of the least talked about themes in the whole series…the young are who pay the price of war. Lilly and James died at 21!!! Snape joined the death eaters at 17/18. Sirius fought in a war then went to prison after learning his best friend has been betrayed by one of his closest friends before he’d even have graduated college. Then Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the whole DA repeats the cycle. Keep the ages actuate and really explore that theme

If we’re suggesting younger actors for Snape, Sirius, and Peter, I think we should pick a younger one for Remus to fit the look of being their age. I actually think Andrew Garfield would be an excellent Remus. And maybe Ben Barnes as Sirius?

I'm in for Daniel Radcliffe as James Potter as an Easter egg or we can make these movies in 60 years and cast him as Dumbledore

For me, Andrew Garfield is the only option to play Remus Lupin. He even said it’s an honour to be a Remus fan cast!

I've always thought it would be great to recast Matthew Lewis (Neville) as Snape. It'd be a fun easter egg in a couple ways. And as long as we're on that train, I think Daniel Radcliffe would do well as Sirius.

Tom Baker would make a great Dumbledore. He's got the physical size to have a great presence, and his years playing The Doctor (Doctor Who) give him the right skill set to play a wizard. Adam Driver, while not British LOOKS the part of younger Snape.

You should absolutely do a part two to this list, including characters like Bellatrix, Slughorn, Aberforth etc.

Adam Driver 100% fits my vision of Snape. Even though he isn’t British I feel like an exception should be made because no other actor even comes close to pulling it off for me.

Mark my words, one of these days Daniel Radcliffe is going to be old enough to be recast as Dumbledore. ✨Full Circle✨

I know the Danny Radcliff recast as snape has been around for a few years but I actually would rather see him come back as Sirius.

David Tennant for Sirius just suits for me The hair would work, he can do caring, angry, joking like and serious also just picture all the lines of Sirius in the original but Scottish and done by the tenth Doctor, also Tom Hiddleston for Lupin would be perfect

I would personally like to see Tom Hiddleston as Snape. Not because he can do an Alan Rickman impression (in fact I prefer he not for the role) but because he's played the role of someone who demands respect but often doesn't get it by those that know him. Like, he could be intimidating to the students, but to the Marauders, he is just Sniveling Snape. He can also be really sympathetic and someone that is really trying to be a spy and an ally. I'm basically describing Loki, but you get the idea.

I would prefer something new. I would love to see a Marauders series. Something back at Hogwarts with kids and the same kind of feel as the originals, but still something new. It would be interesting to see Voldy's rise to power through the eyes of the kids, plenty of opportunities for adventures. We already know about some of the really interesting character arcs that would be fun to flesh out. While I would like it as movies or tv series and that's what would probably make them the money, I really want them as a new series of books. Books are a better storytelling medium, Change My Mind.

Great choices guys! May have thrown Benedict Cumberbatch in a potential Snape? Martin Freeman as Arthur? Eva Green as Bellatrix!

I hope we are getting a part two With rita, Bellatrix, aberforth, luscious, Kingsley, james, lilly, pomfrey, quirell, sybill, sprout

Based on his work in Thor: Love and Thunder, Christian Bale would make a great Voldemort as well!

No offense to Idris Elba, but Sir Patrick Stewart is the frontrunner for Dumbledore. To start, he has the Shakespearean training and the voice that allows him to be soft spoken and/or project authority when necessary. His time as Capt. Picard and Professor Xavier showed how effortlessly he can portray a characters that are thoughtful, caring, and capable leaders. Or maybe we can give him a shot at Voldemort, that Shakespearean training can apply very well to villains.

Sam Witwer will always be my dreamcast for Voldemort. Given his portrayal of Darth Maul I feel like he would absolutely nail that cunning wickedness and manic insanity perfectly

I honestly think that Mamoa would make a pretty good Hagrid. He has the size, and can do the intimidating upon entrance, but then just have a smile that lights up a room that puts you at ease just as instantly. I can see him pulling off that kind of gentle giant role. And it'd be great for him to flex his acting chops.

I’d like to nominate Hugh Laurie as Mr. Malfoy And Benedict Cumberbatch as Lupin But I do like all of your choices.

I'm sorry, but when you said Andrew as Sirius, I spat my tea out. Andrew's the perfect Remus, okay? For Sirius, I'm going to go with Ben Barnes. Those who get it, get it, those who don't, don't.

Would love to see Sirius, Lupin & Snape cast at the correct age (32 at Harry’s first year).

How Benedict Cumberbatch didn’t make this list?! He could be even Snape. He does an amazing Alan Rickman impersonation.

My mum always goes on about having a massive crush on Lupin and it's so engrained in my mind that when I try recasting him I subconsciously judge the actors on "would mum have a crush on this actor"

No joke, when Ben went "say it together... Jason Momoa" I said Stephen Merchant. Of all things I think that would be the most perfect of the new cast. He'd reimagine the character just enough to put his mark on it and give us a quirky quick-witted Arthur while still letting us remain fond of the kindly inquisitive Mark Williams Arthur that we know.

Andrew Garfield for Sirius??? What?!?! NO! HOW HAVE YOU GUYS MISSED ALL THE FANCASTING OF HIM AS REMUS?!?!?!

After seeing the recast I am fine with HP never getting remade 😅 rather just have spin offs IE your founders series or a Marauders series

Man I was looking forward to like a bellatrix recast Cuz helena did such a great job idk who could take her place!

Speaking of QI hosts, Steven Frye, the international voice of the Harry Potter audio books, might be willing to play Dumbledore if you ask nicely.

I love that the suggestions for Sirius include a Remus fancast (Andrew) and a James fancast (Dev)

Love to hear others choices, a couple actually lined up with my own. Brett Goldstein as snape is a very interesting pick which I did not see coming but works. Can't wait to see more!

Tom Baker as Dumbledore Emma Thompson as Minerva Nick Frost as Hagrid Matt Berry as Vernon Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Petunia Martin Freeman as Arthur Alex Kingston as Molly Benedict Cumberbatch as Snape Sam Witwer as Voldemort (I'd love Andrew Scott though) Ewan McGregor as Lockhart Mads Mikkelsen as Lucius Malfoy Naomi Watts as Narsissa Malfoy (I wouldn't mind Emilia Clarke though) Luke Evans as Sirius Tom Hiddleston as Lupin Paul Dano as Peter Pettigrew Rory McCann as Moody (I've never seen GOT but I'm told he'd be perfect) Natalie Dormer as Tonks Anya Taylor-Joy as Fleur Elizabeth Moss as Umbridge

I have always thought that Jared Harris (son of Richard) would be a great Dumbledore

I've always had this vision of Adam Driver playing Snape. I especially see the angry/stern side if Snape a little bit in Marriage Story and BlacKkKlansman.

seeing as Andrew Garfield has always been the fancast for young Remus, I‘d love to see him actually cast as Lupin!

In the books Hagrid is always described as a giant, who sometimes is unaware on how big he is because he’s so friendly and warm. If anything Jason Momoa should play Hagrid!! 😍🙌🏿

Olivia Coleman would make an excellent Minerva Mcgonagall, she is fantastic in every role she's in and really exudes the warmth and compassion yet also possessing the strictness and rule-following nature of her.

Alan Rickman will ALWAYS be Severus Snape

I can’t imagine any other person playing Molly except for Julie Walters. She has that kind, motherly face that can also turn strict when necessary.

IT's great how you guys chose Olivia Coleman as an alternative to Imelda Staunton, and we will see Staunton a play the Queen in The Crown in the new season - replacing Coleman. Almost as if the two are the same, but they are just equally talented actors! :)

Ewan McGregor as Lupin is the fantasy I didn't know I needed

GOT Casting: “We need actors from the Harry Potter franchise” Harry Potter ReCasting: “We need actors from the GOT franchise”

You’re right that Narcissa should be a GoT actress but I think Lena Headey would be better suited.

The fact that you just named Remus (AKA Andrew Garfield) as an option to play Sirius is just… wrong!

I would love to see some Sherlock or game of thrones content on the channel!! Andrew Scott as Voldemort caught me off guard in the best way. It would be so great!

The only different choice I’d make is Tom Hiddleston as Snape 😂. 100% agree on everything else. Brett Goldstein would also make a good Greyback. Awesome video guys!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

How good would Adam Driver be as Snape?!

I have some adjustments and since you altered your rules, so will I: Dumbledore - Sir Ben Kinsley McGonagall - Dame Helen Mirren Snape - Adam Driver Lockheart - Tom Hiddleston Hagrid - Brian Blessed Moody - Richard E Grant

Having Daniel Radcliffe as Snape doesn't really count as an "easter egg" but having Tom Felton as Lockhart would. I would also cast Thandie Newton for Bellatrix and since Arthur Darvill played Arthur Weasleys son in Doctor Who, I think he needs to be in it as well.

IMO, Ian McKellen is the only other person who could play dumbeldore (probably because of ganalf, but cmon)

Funny you mention Olivia Coleman as Umbridge since Imelda Staunton is now playing Queen Elizabeth for the final 2 seasons of the Crown

Make this a series!! I’d love to see what you guys so with other franchises.

When I read the books, I always envisioned Tim Curry as Gilderoy Lockhart. His creepy, yet cheesy, smile was perfect to me. 😁😁😁 With his poor health NOW though it would be hard. 😔

I think that johnny Depp could be an amazing Sirius, he can have that cool uncle persona to him but can also be very serious. Pirates of the Carribean alone makes him a good pick in my opinion!

I love the casting of Idris Elba aside from the fact that he has genetics from the gods, so he still looks 40. Not nearly old enough Honestly, how could you NOT choose Ian McKellen. If anyone knows how to play old wizards with long beards and quirky senses of humor, it’s him

I would love to see David Attenborough as dumbledore. The “Alas, earwax” scene would be perfect.

Matt Berry is so wonderful. Loved him since the IT Crowd.

Adam Driver is my dream cast for Snape and nobody can convince me otherwise.

If Ewan Mcgreggor is gonna play lupin then he needs to say “hello there” at least once in the movies!

If Jason Mamoa played Mr. Weasley: Mr. Weasley: *starts to fight Lucius in Flourish and Blots* Lucius: *immediately dies*

The Perfect Cast for Quirrel is so obvious to me. For the Guy who dies in the First Movie, there is only one right choice. Sean F‘ing Bean

Alrighty, let's do this. Bill Nighy as Albus Dumbledore(I love Idris Elba, but I think he's too young. He's my choice for Rufus Scrimgeour, though) Cate Blanchett as Minerva McGonagall Andy Serkis as Matt Lucas as Vernon Dursley Andrea Riseborough as Petunia Dursley Jamie Campbell-Bower as Severus Snape(This needs to happen) Emily Watson as Molly Weasley Paul Bettany as Arthur Weasley Christian Bale as Lord Voldemort Tom Hiddleston as Gilderoy Lockhart Matt Smith as Lucius Malfoy Natalie Dormer as Narcissa Malfoy Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sirius Black Charlie Cox as Remus Lupin Jack Gleeson as Peter Pettigrew Rory McCann as Mad-Eye Moody Millie Bobby Brown as Tonks(Impeccable) Olivia Colman as Dolores Umbridge Alfred Molina as Horace Slughorn Jason Momoa as Fenrir Greyback(He's not British, but if they're gonna make one exception, it should be him)

I would love to see Tormund as Hagrid.

When Richard Harris died, I said that Michael Caine would make a perfect Dumbledore! I cannot believe that you agreed with me, at least kind of...

This has been around for ages, but I think Adam Driver not only looks exactly like Snape, but also looks younger than Alan Rickman when he took the role. He‘s American, but I‘m sure he could learn a decent-enough british accent.

I love that you included a clip of Matt Barry from the IT Crowd. That is one of the best shows EVER and I wish more people knew about it.

The moment you said Matt Smith I almost chocked on my dinner. For starters, I could not picture him as a blonde (then you showed a clip of him with blonde hair) and second his character as the 11th doctor was way to nice to ever see Matt Smith playing someone as evil as Lucius. Maybe he's been in other stuff where he was more mean, but I watched too much Doctor Who to see him as anything but nice.

If including young dumbledore, there’s been 4 actors - Toby regbo, from Reign. Which I can actually see him playing Jude laws current role if fantastic beasts were to be recast

Would love to see a part two maybe

I'm pretty sure that Dumbledore was white in the books. Idris Elba could be a good choice for Kingsley Shacklebolt though

Back in the extremely early 2000's, starting in the lul between COS and POA, I was part of a chat group which had a section about casting for the movies. I was moderator fot that thread and started a sub-thread "if time, space and death did not apply." "Space" because of Her ban on non-British actors. I tried linking, but the links were just too long. Voldy: Peter Sellers the original Inspector Cleuseau. He also could have been Snape and Sirius. Slughorn: Leo McKern who was Australian and had died a few months prior. Sirius: Lawrence Olivier or Carey Grant. Lupin: James Stewart. Yes, THAT James Stewart. The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance, The Philadelphia Story, etc. Dead and not British.

Guys, hear me out, I know he's Scottish, but Ewan McGregor (Prequal Obi-Wan) as Remus Lupin. He just gives of that vibe, you know. He's so kind yet strict if he needs to be, and he gives off a really independent vibe like Lupin. Again, I get he's Scottish, but they made an exception, so that means I can two. Edit: I made this before they got to Lupin and that's who they think should play Lupin as well. That's cool

I always thought on a remake Daniel Radcliff has to play either James or Sirius, with Matthew Lewis (Neville) as the other part. But now that you suggested Daniel as Snape I can't unsee either of them as Snape.

Hugh Grant as Lockhart COMMON it’s perfect 😂😂

Kit Harrington for Sirius! Also I always wanted Adam Driver for a younger Snape. I reckon he could pull it off well. Did the moodiness as Kylo Ren 👌

Benedict Cumberbatch would be my choice for Voldemort.

Omg wait. Olivia Coleman as Umbridge is insanely good.

Hasn’t Radcliffe actually stated that he’d like to play Sirius in a reboot? I think that would be a better fit than Snape anyway

I don't usually disagree with you guys very often, but I only agree with 2 of your options for recasting and they are Ewan McGregor as Lupin and Andy Serkis as Peter/Scabbers. All the rest are very far off the mark and that is my opinion.

I know she’s not British, but I think Emma Stone would be an awesome Bellatrix Lestrange

Wow I can totally see Olivia Coleman as Umbridge especially if you've seen her performance in Fleabag

Optional title: Ben fanboying over British actors for 19 minutes straight 🤣

This subject should be taken seriously, because I believe it is now time for the BBC to produce a seven year series on the books. New cast, with their best production values and special effects. One series for each book would give them the opportunity to give the books due respect and provide more detail than the existing movies..good though they are.

The fact that he said Andrew for Sirius is kinda funny because most people who write fanfic use him as “young Sirius”

For my recast I went into a lot more detail than you guys did. I included all of the most prevalent characters (Voldemort, Snape, Dumbledore ETC…) but I also included some of the characters that are equally important to the story as Someone like Dumbledore is, but that don’t show up as frequently. My full fancast is: Liam Neeson as Albus Dumbledore Olivia Coleman as Minerva McGonagall Dan Stevens as Severus Snape Robbie Kay as Professor Quirrell Alfred Molina as Hagrid Toby Jones as Vernon Dursley Hannah Waddingham as Petunia Dursley Tom Baker as Ollivander Bill Nighy as Argus Filch Rowan Atkinson as Nearly Headless Nick Ricky Gervais as Peeves the Poltergeist Tom Ellis as Gilderoy Lockhart Matt Smith as Arthur Weasley Billie Piper as Molly Weasley Aidan Gillen as Lucius Malfoy Mia Goth as Moaning Myrtle Fionn Whitehead as Tom Riddle Will Poulter as James Potter Tom Hiddleston as Sirius Black Ed Speleers as Peter Pettigrew Jamie Dornan as Remus Lupin Kaya Scodelario as Lily Potter Tilda Swinton as Professor Trelawney Graham McTavish as Alastair Moody Unknown as Cedric Diggery Bill Skarsgard as Barty Crouch Jr. Stellan Skarsgard as Barty Crouch Sr. Catherine Tate As Rita Skeeter Gwendaline Christie as Madam Maxine Rhys Ifans as Karkeroff Christian Bale as Voldemort Laura Fraser as Umbridge Martin Freeman As Cornelius Fudge Sope Dirisy as Kingsley Skacklebolt Tilly Keeper as Nymphadora Tonks Erin Richards as Bellatrix Lestrange Michael Sheen as Horace Slughorn Peter Capaldi as Rupus Scrimgour Peter Dinklage as Professor Flitwick Alexander Skarsgard as Fenrir Grayback Rosamund Pike as Narcissa Malfoy Andrew Garfield as Bill Weasley George Mackey as Charlie Weasley Rebecca Ferguson and Pilou Asbaek as the Caro siblings Ralph Ineson as Xenophilius Lovegood Andy Serkis as Mundungus Fletcher Andrew Scott as Griphook Ian McDiarmid as Gellert Grindelwald Liam Cunningham as Aberforth Dumbledore

Stephen Merchant as Arthur Weasley made me audibly say "ooooooh!". Love it!

when the name "chris hamsworth" came out of his mouth i laughed out loud. this is perfect.

Now I really want to see this movie! With one huge exception - Adam Driver is so obviously Snape. But if we are going strictly with British actors, it has to be Benedict Cumberbatch. Come on - Daniel Radcliff? Talk about stunt casting 🙄

I was 100% sure you were going to cast Stellan Skarsgard as Mad Eye Moody! If you had a requirement to cast Lin-Manuel Miranda in this series, who would he play?

The reason why the Fantastic Beast sequels did poorly is cause they focused less on the titular focus, that being the Fantastic Beasts. The first movie of the series introduced us to all these wonderful creatures from all over the magical world, but then in the sequels focused less and less on them making them deus ex machina type things and felt like they put them in the movies just to have some Fantastic Beasts in it.

When Richard Harris was dying, he lobbied hard to have his good friend, Peter O’Tool, to replace him as Dumbledore. Now that would’ve been good

Harry Potter series should never be recast. In my opinion if they decided to remake it they should make an animated series.

The fact that Imelda Staunton will be playing Queen Elizabeth after Olivia Coleman.

I really hope if we ever get a reboot we get actors in their early to mid 30s for the surviving marauders and Snape.

Kristian Nairn would be my choice for Hagrid. He played Hodor in Game of Thrones & Wee John Feeney in Our Flag Means Death .