TheHarry PotterTV series continues to conjure excitement as HBO’s new cast takes shape — and one iconic member of the original films has just passed the wand in the most charming way possible. Earlier today, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed a fresh batch of cast members for the upcoming adaptation, includingJohnny Flynnas the elegantly villainous Lucius Malfoy.
That news lit up social media faster than a Lumos spell, and among those reacting was none other thanJason Isaacs, who originated the role of Lucius in the film series. Rather than clutch his snake-headed cane in protest, Isaacs gave Flynn his blessing — even if he confessed to being irritated by just how good Flynn is. Posting to X, Isaacs retweeted the casting announcement and wrote:
“A fantastic actor, a lovely man and, irritatingly, a rather brilliant musician too. Couldn’t have handed the snake-topped baton on to anyone better. Just please don’t make him sing…”
The post comes at a time of intense scrutiny and curiosity around theHarry Potterreboot, which aims to be a more faithful, slow-burn adaptation ofJ.K. Rowling’s beloved book series. Set to premiere on HBO (and streaming on Max), the series is expected to delve deeper into each year at Hogwarts, giving fans more time with the characters — and more reasons to obsess over every new casting.
Flynn, known forEmma.andThe Dig, will portray a younger Lucius Malfoy across several seasons, withLox Prattset to play his son, Draco. Other newly announced cast members includeKatherine Parkinsonas Molly Weasley,Bel PowleyandDaniel Rigbyas Petunia and Vernon Dursley,Bertie Carvelas Cornelius Fudge, and newcomersLeo Earley,Alessia Leoni, andSienna Moosahas Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown, respectively.
The trio at the center of the story —Dominic McLaughlinas Harry,Arabella Stantonas Hermione, andAlastair Stoutas Ron— were chosen from a pool of over 32,000 hopefuls. According to showrunnerFrancesca Gardinerand directorMark Mylod, the young stars already demonstrate a “wonderful” synergy that they’re excited for the world to see.
How Does Jason Isaacs Feel About ‘Harry Potter’?
Isaacs, for his part, has spoken with some very measured candor about seeing someone else step into Lucius’s polished boots.Speaking to Collider’sMaggie Lovittearlier this yearwhile promotingThe White Lotus, he said:
“It’s peculiar. Like you said, it’s the first time it happened. I don’t know what it’s like. I’m relatively sanguine about things I have no choice over. No point resenting things that are happening, or regretting things. And so, it is what it is. It’s going to be brilliant. I’ve been Lucius Malfoy for a long time. I guess I won’t be Lucius Malfoy for the next generation. I could be upset about that if I chose to, but I’m trying to choose not to.”
Isaacs also shared a more philosophical perspective on the impermanence of legacy in Hollywood:
“The fact that there’s another Harry Potter will supplant us, and we will — possibly — even be erased from history. It’s just what it is.”
HBO has not yet revealed a release date forHarry Potter,but production is set to begin in England later this summer. Stay tuned to Collider for all your updates from Hogwarts and beyond.
