Don’t Change Horses in Midstream: 'Harry Potter' Series Yet to Premiere, but One Key Character Set to Exit

The premiere of HBO’s new Harry Potter adaptation is still nearly a year away, but the cast is already hinting at possible shake-ups. Bertie Carvel, who plays Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, has admitted that he’s not sure whether he’ll return for the second season — and it’s not just because of scheduling conflicts, but also due to potential audience reactions.

In an interview with The Times, Carvel stated honestly that if fans don’t appreciate his performance or if the script fails to resonate, he might step away from the role:

"Whether I come back [after the first series] probably depends on what the fans think. I mean, I’ll be furious if it’s not an amazing part."

The actor’s statement has slightly unsettled producers: though not a lead character, Fudge is a notable figure in the books. The Minister of Magic holds his position for most of Harry’s time at Hogwarts and plays a key role in the magical world’s political crisis. He is the one who denies Voldemort’s return, obstructs the Order of the Phoenix, and is eventually forced to resign once the truth comes to light.

Carvel did admit that the script for the early episodes impressed him. However, if viewers don’t warm up to his portrayal, the studio likely won’t hesitate to replace him. Fudge can be rewritten or even recast without much disruption — and the history of Pottermania shows that fans can forgive almost anything but a miscast.

For now, fans can only hope that Carvel will stay long enough to complete the character’s arc — especially since he’s only just begun immersing himself in the magical world. The actor confessed that he hadn’t read the books before filming ("I’ve seen one film, maybe two"), so the Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling might be facing its first behind-the-scenes reshuffling — even before the doors of Hogwarts officially open.