An original Harry Potter star would “love” to play a professor at Hogwarts in the television reboot. Announced back in 2023, the upcoming HBO series will adapt J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series once again, with each season dedicated to one of the seven novels. Though no cast has officially been announced, reports indicate that HBO’s Harry Potter show is eyeing Mark Rylance for Hogwarts’ headmaster Albus Dumbledore, in addition to Paapa Essiedu for Professor Severus Snape.
During an exclusive interview with ScreenRant promoting the upcoming STARZ premiere of The Couple Next Door, original Harry Potter star Alfred Enoch, who played Dean Thomas, was asked if he would be interested in returning in the TV reboot as a new character, perhaps to serve as a mentor this time as opposed to being a student. Enoch eventually said he would “love” to play a professor at Hogwarts, possibly teaching defense against the dark arts. Read his full response below:
I wish I could say I learned enough to be a mentor to anyone, but I think probably they’d have to find someone else for that… I’d love that. That’s good. That’s only a one-season job, isn’t it?
Original Stars Returning As Different Characters Are Gaining Traction
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Alfred Enoch isn’t the first time an original Harry Potter actor has expressed interest in returning in the television reboot as a different character. In February 2024, Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in all eight Harry Potter movies, expressed interest in returning in the TV reboot, but as Professor Remus Lupin, Hogwarts’ shape-shifting professor against the dark arts who was played by David Thewlis in the movies. In addition to Lewis, several original Harry Potter actors have been asked about potentially returning in the TV reboot.
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Enoch is just the latest original Harry Potter actor to express interest in returning in the TV reboot. After playing the Hogwarts student Dean Thomas in the movies, graduating on to playing a Hogwarts professor seems like a logical next step for the original star. Enoch explicitly expressed interest in teaching defense against the dark arts. Over the years, Hogwarts’ professors of defense against the dark arts have included Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) and Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), among many more.
Our Take On Alfred Enoch Returning In The Harry Potter TV Reboot
The Return Of Original Actors Might Be Distracting
While it might be intriguing to see familiar Harry Potter stars returning in different roles, it could also become a distraction that takes away from the story the TV series is aiming to tell. It could end up overshadowing the new cast taking on major roles, turning the TV reboot into a parade of familiar faces. That said, the idea is compelling, and it could be executed in a way that enhances the Harry Potter reboot without pulling focus away from its story.