Daniel Radcliffe Says No, but These ‘Harry Potter’ Actors Might Return

HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series has sparked renewed interest in the Wizarding World. Positioned as a more faithful, decade-long adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original books, the project is already being treated as one of Warner Bros. Discovery’s tentpole titles for the next decade.

For the most part, the series features an entirely new cast (the exception is Warwick Davis, who returns as Charms teacher Professor Flitwick). But as development ramps up, attention has turned to the actors who once defined the franchise—and whether they might return in any form.

So far, the reactions have been split.

Open Doors—and Some Conditions

Rupert Grint has left the door open, admitting that he would consider returning “if the timing was right and everyone was coming back.” He added, “It was a character that was important to me, we kind of became the same person… I’m protective of him as well. It was my whole childhood.”

Recently, the actor announced his return as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, which seems like a sign he’s open to work within the wizarding world.

Tom Felton has been similarly supportive. Best known for playing Draco Malfoy, Felton has remained closely tied to the fan base and the broader franchise, also reprising the role on Broadway. Over the years, he’s made it clear that he would be open to a cameo or supporting role. He’s even joked publicly about ways he could be worked into the show.

While major roles seem unlikely, their comments leave the possibility of appearances—or symbolic handoffs—on the table.

Who’s Not Returning—and Why

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter across all eight films, has taken a more definitive stance. He has confirmed that he won’t be part of the reboot, saying, “I think it’s very much like they’re going for a new series. There would be somebody else playing Harry. So I think it would be very weird for me to show up.”

Radcliffe has long voiced appreciation for the role but has consistently signaled that he prefers to move forward in his career rather than revisit past work.

Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, has not commented directly on the reboot. However, her recent years have focused more on activism and academia. In past interviews, she’s expressed a desire to engage only with projects that align with her values and long-term goals. At present, a return to the Wizarding World doesn’t appear to be a priority.

She’s also been criticized the most openly by Rowling. While Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint have all voiced their opposition to Rowling’s controversial views on gender identity, it was Watson who Rowling targeted most vehemently in a social media rant back in 2025. This followed Watson’s comments (mild though they may have been) about Rowling in a Jay Shetty podcast appearance.

Ralph Fiennes also appears to have ruled out a return. The actor, who played Lord Voldemort in the original films, said he had previously been open to reprising the role but was never approached with anything concrete. “I remember being asked the question, would I reprise the part? This was some years ago. And I said, ‘yes, I’d love to,’” he said on The Claudia Winkleman Show (via BBC). “But then, nothing’s happened. I think that ship has sailed.”

Fiennes has even suggested someone else for the role, saying Tilda Swinton “would be amazing” as Voldemort. HBO has yet to announce who will play the adult Dark Lord, although Billy Barratt has now been cast as the teenage Tom Riddle for the show’s second season.

Right now, the show’s confirmed cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Season 2 will also introduce Lenny Rush as Dobby and Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, replacing Season 1 actor Gracie Cochrane.

That may ultimately be for the best.

While nostalgia can be powerful, leaning too heavily on legacy actors might undermine the goal of giving the material a fresh identity. One of the show’s biggest criticisms based on early trailers is that it leans too heavily on hallmarks of the original films, so reintroducing actors from the project isn’t likely to help its case. Still, the possibility of a few familiar faces returning in subtle, unexpected ways remains intriguing.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone debuts on HBO on December 25, 2026.