'It Wasn’t an Easy Decision': 'Harry Potter' Series Loses Its Perfect Dumbledore — Actor Hoped Until the End

Some roles come into an actor’s life too late — or never at all. Gary Oldman, who brilliantly played Sirius Black, revealed twenty years after his debut in The Prisoner of Azkaban that he had hoped until the very end to don the robes of none other than Albus Dumbledore himself — the one with the long beard and the eternal mystery in his eyes.

"I wouldn’t mind playing Dumbledore. I’m getting close to the right age," Oldman admitted in an interview with Variety, recalling his work with Alfonso Cuarón and the filming of the third Harry Potter film. According to him, all the young stars back then were "bright and talented," and he remains "very proud" of his role. But in Oldman’s view, no one from the original generation will be invited into the new HBO series:

"I think they won’t approach anyone who was involved in the original. Though I am curious to see it — a large portion of the books was cut."

Maybe Oldman would have been the one to finally bring to screen the book’s version of Dumbledore — subtle, wise, and full of contradictions — rather than just another take on the "majestic elder." But no. The new headmaster of Hogwarts has already been chosen — and it’s John Lithgow. The American actor is known for dozens of roles, though… not a single one of them is 'magical.' He openly admitted the offer took him by surprise:

"It wasn’t an easy decision. This role will define the final chapter of my career. But I’m excited."

Well then, let’s hope the magic works — even without the perfect Dumbledore.