The news of a ‘Harry Potter‘ TV series has sent the fans of the wizarding world into a frenzy. The show, which will be a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s books, will feature a new cast and will premiere on Max, the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max. The series is expected to arrive in 2025-26 and will span over 10 years, with each season covering one book.
But who will play the iconic characters of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and the rest of the Hogwarts gang? While the official casting has not been announced yet, ChatGPT has come up with our own dream cast for the show, based on our knowledge of the actors and their suitability for the roles. Here, are ChatGPT’s picks for some of the main characters:
1. Tom Holland As Harry Potter
Tom Holland is no stranger to playing a beloved hero with a loyal fanbase. The 25-year-old actor has won over millions of fans as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has also shown his versatility in other films such as ‘The Impossible‘, ‘Cherry‘ and ‘Chaos Walking‘. Holland has the charisma, the charm and the courage to play Harry Potter, the boy who lived. He can also pull off the glasses and the scar and has a British accent to boot.
2. Zendaya As Hermione Granger
Zendaya has the talent, charisma and intelligence to play Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her age. The 25-year-old American actress and singer has starred in films such as ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming‘, ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Dune‘. She has also won an Emmy Award for her role in the HBO series Euphoria. She can do justice to Hermione’s bravery, loyalty and compassion. Zendaya is also a woman of color, which would add some diversity to the cast and reflect some fans’ interpretation of Hermione’s appearance.
3. Cameron Monaghan As Ronald Weasley
Cameron Monaghan is a 28-year-old American actor and model who has played Ian Gallagher in the Showtime series ‘Shameless‘ and Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in the Fox series ‘Gotham‘. He has also appeared in films such as ‘The Giver‘, ‘Vampire Academy‘ and ‘Anthem of a Teenage Prophet‘. Monaghan has the talent, the humor and the awkward charm to play Ronald Weasley, Harry’s best friend and Hermione’s love interest. He can also portray Ron’s loyalty, courage and insecurity. Monaghan is also a natural redhead, which would match Ron’s appearance.
4. Timothee Chalamet As Draco Malfoy
Timothee Chalamet is one of the hottest young stars in Hollywood, with Oscar-nominated performances in ‘Call Me By Your Name‘ and ‘Beautiful Boy‘. The 26-year-old actor has the looks, the charisma and the attitude to play Draco Malfoy, Harry’s nemesis at Hogwarts. Chalamet can also bring some depth and nuance to Draco’s character arc, as he struggles with his family’s allegiance to Lord Voldemort.
5. Ian McKellan As Dumbledore
Ian McKellen is famous for his roles as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ and ‘The Hobbit‘ films and Magneto in the ‘X-Men‘ films. He has also appeared in other films and TV shows such as ‘Gods and Monsters‘, ‘The Da Vinci Code‘ and ‘The Good Liar‘. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, four BAFTAs and six Olivier Awards. Ian McKellen has the talent, wisdom and presence to play Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts and the leader of the Order of the Phoenix. He is also no stranger to the long white beard as he had to don a similar look for the role of Gandalf. The 82-year-old is extremely talented and the perfect choice to portray Dumbledore’s kindness, power and complexity. Ian McKellen is also openly gay, which would reflect Dumbledore’s sexuality.
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6. Emma Thompson As McGonagall
Emma Thompson has previously played Professor Sybill Trelawney in the ‘Harry Potter‘ films and Nanny McPhee in the ‘Nanny McPhee’ films. She has also appeared in other films and TV shows such as ‘Sense and Sensibility‘, ‘Love Actually‘ and ‘The Children Act‘. She has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes and three BAFTAs. Emma Thompson has the talent, the wit and the authority to play McGonagall, the professor of Transfiguration and the head of Gryffindor House. She can also portray McGonagall’s sternness, loyalty and compassion. Emma Thompson is also a friend of Maggie Smith, who played McGonagall in the original films.
7. Rory McCann As Hagrid
Rory McCann is a 52-year-old Scottish actor and musician who has played Sandor Clegane, also known as The Hound, in the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones‘. He has also appeared in other films and TV shows such as ‘Hot Fuzz‘, ‘The Book of Eli‘ and ‘The Crew‘. Rory McCann has the height, strength and voice to play Hagrid, the half-giant gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor at Hogwarts. He can also portray Hagrid’s kindness, loyalty and courage. Rory McCann is also a fan of the Harry Potter books and has expressed interest in playing Hagrid in the past.
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8. Benedict Cumberbatch As Voldemort
Benedict Cumberbatch has the talent, the intensity and the voice to play Voldemort, the most powerful and feared Dark wizard of all time. The 45-year-old British actor and producer has played Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series ‘Sherlock‘ and Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also appeared in other films and TV shows such as ‘The Imitation Game‘, ‘The Hobbit‘ trilogy, ‘Patrick Melrose‘ etc. He has been nominated for an Academy Award, six BAFTAs and four Emmys. He is the perfect choice to portray Voldemort’s cruelty, ambition and arrogance. Cumberbatch is also skilled at motion capture and CGI, which would help create Voldemort’s snake-like appearance.
9. Adam Driver As Severus Snape
Adam Driver has played Kylo Ren in the ‘Star Wars‘ sequel trilogy and Ben Solo in ‘The Rise of Skywalker‘. He has also appeared in other films and TV shows such as ‘Girls‘, ‘Marriage Story‘ and ‘The Last Duel‘. The 38-year-old has been nominated for an Academy Award, four Golden Globes and three Emmys. Adam Driver has the talent, the intensity and the voice to play Snape, the potions master and Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. He can also portray Snape’s sarcasm, bitterness and bravery. Adam Driver is also known for his unconventional looks, which would suit Snape’s description.
10. Eva Green As Bellatrix Lestrange
Eva Green is a 41-year-old French actress and model who has played Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale and Miss Peregrine in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. She has also appeared in other films and TV shows such as Penny Dreadful, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For and Dumbo. Eva Green has the talent, beauty and voice to play Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the most loyal and fanatical Death Eaters of Lord Voldemort. She can also portray Bellatrix’s cruelty, madness and obsession. Eva Green is also known for her dark and gothic style, which would suit Bellatrix’s appearance.
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