Summary
- Warner Bros. Discovery announced a Harry Potter TV series adaptation on Max for 2027.
- Actor Jason Isaacs suggested Meryl Streep play Lucius Malfoy in the series.
- Streep’s acting prowess could elevate the show, but a gender swap for Lucius is unlikely due to character dynamics.
Harry Potter fans have something to look forward to because a TV series based on the hit franchise is in the works. One of the actors named a popular celebrity he believed should play his character from the movie.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced the Harry Potter TV series in 2023 during a press event for its streaming service, Max. The live-action adaptation aims to faithfully tell the story of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, with one season dedicated per book. It was initially set to premiere in 2026, but in November 2024, the release was moved to 2027. Jason Isaacs is one of the fan-favorites from the Harry Potter film series. He portrayed the charming yet menacing Lucius Malfoy. Although he was a villain and a devoted follower of Lord Voldemort, fans loved how Isaacs brought elegance and arrogance to his character, and they were impressed by how his antagonist character was well-written. Isaacs has someone in mind to portray the same character in the TV series.
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Isaacs sat down for a Zoom interview with Variety and the interviewer mentioned the Harry Potter series before asking him whom he wanted to cast to play Lucius Malfoy, his famous character from the franchise. Surprisingly, he named a female actor for the role. “Meryl Streep,” Isaacs told Variety. “She can do anything, that woman. There’s literally no limit to what she can do.” Isaacs seemingly suggested a gender swap for the role. In the book, Lucius is the patriarch of the Malfoy family. He is the father of Draco Malfoy, and the husband of Narcissa Malfoy. Lucius is a traditionally male name of Latin origin, meaning “light.”
In the same interview, he was asked if he had any advice for anyone who would step into a role on the hit franchise. Isaacs didn’t think anyone needed his advice, especially since he had heard they were already casting. Instead, he was positive that the upcoming TV series would be great and that “brilliant” talents would be brought on board for the project. “I wouldn’t have any advice at all,” he replied. “Why would I bother? I know some of the people they’re casting already. They’re brilliant actors. It’s going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me.”
Isaacs’ suggestion of having Streep play Lucius in the Harry Potter series is reasonable due to her experience and expertise. Streep has an unmatched acting range and versatility. She can transform into any character, from powerful figures to influential villains. So, there’s no doubt that she can play an aristocratic British wizard. For instance, in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), she played Miranda Priestly, and she was intimidating, cold, and commanding, just like Lucius Malfoy. She also portrayed a sinister witch in the musical Into the Woods (2014), proving she could easily pull off fantasy roles. Also, there’s no doubt that Streep’s prestige will elevate the show’s reputation and stir buzz and excitement if she will be part of it.
Gender-swapping Lucius Malfoy will bring a new and fresh dynamic to the Malfoy family. However, fans should not be too excited because the people involved in the project had previously said that the series would be a “faithful” adaptation of the book. In this case, gender-swapping a major character is unlikely to be on the cards. Lucius is traditionally a male character, and his role is deeply tied to his role as a father figure and patriarch of a pure-blood, aristocratic family. Gender-swapping the character will affect his relationship with his son and wife. Also, Streep is already in her 70s and Lucius is only in his 40s or 50s, so she might be too old for the role. Lastly, Streep hasn’t done long-term TV roles. The Harry Potter series has a planned ten-year production, so it might not appeal to hear. But that’s for her to decide.
The Harry Potter series is expected to premiere on Max in 2027.
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Source: Variety