Speculation that actor Andrew Garfield might portray Remus Lupin in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter television series has been addressed by the character’s original film actor. David Thewlis, who played the beloved Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in the film franchise, stated in a recent interview that Garfield is likely “too old” for the role in a new adaptation.
Thewlis made the comment during a conversation about the announced series, which is slated for a 2027 release. The series, a production for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming service, aims to create a faithful television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels. Casting decisions for the high-profile project have been a major topic of fan discussion and media speculation since the series was officially confirmed.
Clarification on Casting Rumors
In his remarks, Thewlis provided context based on the project’s stated goals. He indicated that the new series is expected to feature a cast that starts much younger than their film counterparts, aligning with the ages of the characters in the early books. Remus Lupin is introduced in the third novel, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as a man in his early-to-mid thirties.
Andrew Garfield, an acclaimed actor known for films like The Social Network and Hacksaw Ridge, is currently 40 years old. By the time production on the relevant season begins, he would be older still. Thewlis’s observation suggests the production is seeking actors closer to the canonical age of the characters at their point of introduction.
Background on the HBO Series
The Harry Potter series represents a significant long-term investment for Warner Bros. Discovery. The company has stated the show will feature a new cast and will delve deeper into the stories and characters over a planned decade-long run. Each season is intended to cover one of the seven books, providing a more detailed narrative than the feature films could accommodate.
Key creative personnel, including a showrunner and lead writers, have yet to be officially announced. The involvement of author J.K. Rowling as an executive producer has been confirmed, ensuring her creative oversight of the project. The series is one of the most anticipated streaming projects currently in development.
Industry and Fan Reactions
Reaction to Thewlis’s comments has been mixed among the fan community. Some agree with the assessment, hoping for a cast that can authentically grow with the roles over many years. Others expressed disappointment, as Garfield’s name had been a popular fan-casting choice for the complex and gentle werewolf professor.
Industry analysts note that casting for such a flagship series will be a meticulous process, with age-appropriateness for a long-term commitment being a critical factor. The search for the three central roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger is expected to involve extensive auditions of younger, relatively unknown actors.
No official casting announcements have been made by Warner Bros. Discovery or HBO for any role. All discussions regarding potential actors, including Andrew Garfield as Remus Lupin, remain speculative at this stage. The company has not commented on Thewlis’s specific remarks.
Next Steps for the Project
With a planned 2027 premiere, the next major milestones for the Harry Potter series will be the appointment of the core creative team and the start of the casting process. Pre-production work is understood to be ongoing. Official updates are expected to come directly from Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO as key decisions are finalized, likely beginning with the announcement of a showrunner in the coming months.
Source: Mashable
