Harry Potter Series: New Release Date and Casting Rumors

The project is still at an early stage of development

By Jonas Reichel on

There's news regarding the "Harry Potter" series: the casting process is making good progress, especially when it comes to finding a new Albus Dumbledore. But there is also less positive news about the release date.

The planned remake of the "Harry Potter" series will likely not be released any sooner than 2027 - and not, as originally announced, in 2026. HBO boss Casey Bloys revealed in an interview with the trade magazine Deadline that the project is still in the early stages of development. The writers have only recently started working on the project and the casting process is still very much in the early phases.

However, it seems that an actor is already being considered for the role of Albus Dumbledore: British actor Mark Rylance is being discussed as a promising candidate. Rylance is considered a fixture in the movie world and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 for his role in "Bridge of Spies". However, no official negotiations have been held to date and neither Rylance nor Warner Brothers have issued a statement on the matter. Also open is which actors will take on the roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

The "Harry Potter" series is to be released simultaneously on Max and HBO.

An Overview of Mark Rylance's Best-Known Films

Mark Rylance is a British actor and theater director whose career has been marked by a number of impressive film and stage roles. His subtle, nuanced performances have earned him numerous awards in both theater and film, as well as recognition in the movie world. This article highlights some of the most significant movies that have brought Rylance to the big screen and in which he has made a lasting impression on audiences with his unique performance.

1. Bridge of Spies (2015)

Mark Rylance's role as Soviet spy Rudolf Abel in Steven Spielberg's thriller "Bridge of Spies" is undoubtedly one of his best-known and most celebrated performances. Alongside Tom Hanks, Rylance plays a stoic and astute agent during the Cold War who is captured by the US. Rylance succeeds in portraying the complex character of Abel with subtle nuance, evoking an unusual sympathy for a man portrayed as an enemy. His performance was highly praised worldwide and earned him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2016. Rylance manages to convey Abel's inner calm and composure, even in the most intense interrogation scenes. The role was a great introduction to the big Hollywood world and helped Rylance to a permanent place in the international film scene.

2. Dunkirk (2017)

In Christopher Nolan's war drama "Dunkirk", Rylance plays Mr. Dawson, a civilian boat owner who sets out with his son and a young friend to rescue British soldiers from besieged Dunkirk. Rylance's character is not a hero in the classic sense, but an ordinary man who wants to do the right thing. His performance is restrained and nuanced, conveying the quiet determination and courage that the entire civilian population mustered during this dangerous rescue operation. Through this quiet, stoic role, Rylance once again proves his ability to portray big emotions with minimalist acting while deeply touching the audience.

Image of DUNKIRK Trailer (2017)

3. The BFG - Big Friendly Giant (2016)

In the fantasy adaptation of Roald Dahl's "The BFG", also directed by Steven Spielberg, Rylance takes on the role of a friendly giant who befriends a little girl. This role was an interesting challenge for Rylance, as the character was brought to life entirely through motion capture technology. Nevertheless, he manages to bring a great deal of warmth and empathy to the character. Rylance gives the giant an almost childlike innocence and succeeds in winning the audience over with a character defined by kindness and compassion in a world full of hostility. Although the film received mixed reactions from critics, Rylance's performance was highly praised and showed another aspect of his versatile skills.

Image of THE BFG Official Trailer (2016)

4. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

In Aaron Sorkin's historical drama "The Trial of the Chicago 7", Rylance shines in the role of lawyer William Kunstler. The movie deals with the infamous trial of a group of activists who protested against the Vietnam War in 1968. Rylance portrays Kunstler as a committed and perceptive lawyer who courageously stands up for his clients and confronts the unjust systems of justice with intelligence and passion. His performance is intense and emotional, giving the character a depth that draws the viewer right into the action. His acting makes him stand out in a cast that already includes well-known actors such as Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen.

5. Don't Look Up (2021)

"Don't Look Up", a satirical comedy by Adam McKay, offers a completely different side of Rylance. He plays tech mogul Peter Isherwell, an eccentric mix of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and other well-known tech moguls. The character is a parody of the tech elite's detachment and loss of reality, driven by power and money. Rylance plays Isherwell with an almost surreal sensibility that is simultaneously disturbing and hilarious. His performance is exaggerated, which fits perfectly with the satirical tone of the movie and highlights the absurdity of power structures in the modern world.

6. Bones and All (2022)

In Luca Guadagnino's romantic horror film "Bones and All", Rylance once again proves his versatility. Here he plays a menacing and sinister character called Sully, a mysterious loner who stalks young cannibals as they travel across the United States. Rylance's performance is both disturbing and fascinating. He imbues Sully with a mixture of vulnerability and menace that makes him a unique and unsettling character. This role shows Rylance's willingness to push boundaries and embody new, challenging characters.

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