Actor Gary Oldman says the upcoming HBO series will likely satisfy fans more than the original films by including more detail from J.K. Rowling’s books.
Key facts
- •Gary Oldman played Sirius Black in four “Harry Potter” films, appearing in “Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Goblet of Fire,” “Order of the Phoenix,” and “Deathly Hallows Part 2.”
- •Oldman believes the HBO series will be more satisfying because it is expected to adapt the books “pretty much word-for-word,” unlike the films which required significant cuts.
- •The first season of the HBO series is set to premiere on December 25 on HBO and HBO Max.
- •Season 2 of the series is currently in pre-production at Leavesden Studios outside London.
- •Oldman is set to appear in the sixth season of Apple TV’s “Slow Horses,” which premieres on September 16.
Gary Oldman, who portrayed Sirius Black in four “Harry Potter” films, stated that HBO’s upcoming television adaptation of the series will likely be more satisfying for viewers than the original Warner Bros. movies. Oldman noted that the films were significantly abridged, leading to the sacrifice of character details that the new series is expected to retain by following the source material more closely.
Reflections on the Original Films
Oldman expressed pride and gratitude for his involvement in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, describing it as a unique phenomenon. He credited director Chris Columbus for his role in establishing the world and casting the initial ensemble, noting that the cast was fortunate to grow into their roles over multiple films. Despite his appreciation for the project, Oldman has previously described his own performance as Sirius Black as “mediocre,” later clarifying that his comments stemmed from being hypercritical of his own work rather than a lack of respect for the character or the fans.
Production Status and Casting
The first season of the HBO “Harry Potter” series has completed production and is scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25. Pre-production for the second season, which will adapt the second book in the series, is currently underway at Leavesden Studios near London. While HBO has not yet announced who will play Sirius Black in the new series, the 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, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.
Timeline
- 2004Gary Oldman’s character, Sirius Black, first appeared in the film “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
- September 16Gary Oldman will appear in the premiere of the sixth season of Apple TV’s “Slow Horses.”
- December 25The first season of the HBO “Harry Potter” series is scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Variety.
