David Thewlis will not return as Lupin in new Harry Potter series

David Thewlis has shut down speculation about a return to the wizarding world. The actor, best known for playing Remus Lupin, has said he does not plan to step back into the role for the new Harry Potter television adaptation currently in development. Speaking candidly — and with humour — Thewlis made it clear he is ready to move on from questions about revisiting the franchise.

Harry Potter reboot casting news

“I feel like I’d be far too old to play my original character,” Thewlis told ScreenTime in an interview published on February 8. “And no, I wouldn’t want to go back into it.”

The 62-year-old actor then laughed about how frequently the topic comes up. “I’ve had quite enough of that. I’m sick of talking about it, quite honestly.”

While he has little interest in returning, Thewlis said he still appreciates what the films meant to younger audiences. “It is nice because with Harry Potter, it’s kids,” he added. “And kids get very kind of impressed and very overawed, and it’s very nice to make kids happy.”

He previously shared the screen with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint — a trio that helped turn the film series into a global phenomenon.

Who is starring in the new Harry Potter series?

The upcoming show will feature an entirely new cast. Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton playing Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.




Veteran actor John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore. Speaking to ScreenRant last February, Lithgow said, “It was not an easy decision, because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.”

He added, “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Lithgow later struck a lighter tone when discussing the workload. “Dumbledore is kind of the nuclear weapon,” he said on the SmartLess podcast. “He only goes on very, very occasionally. I don’t think it’s going to be that hard a job — we’ll just go back and forth.”

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