The magic surrounding the Harry Potter franchise is getting a fresh coat of paint with the announcement of a remake set to air on HBO. Pre-production efforts have commenced, but there’s still a haze of speculation lingering over casting decisions. Veteran actor Jason Isaacs, who famously embodied Lucius Malfoy in the original films, recently added to that speculation in an interview for The White Lotus Season 3.
In a chat with Variety on March 24, 2025, Isaacs was asked who he thought should take on the mantle of his character in the new adaptation. Not unexpectedly, he suggested a truly formidable name: “Meryl Streep, she can do anything, that woman. There’s literally no limit to what she can do,” he said, making light yet profound commentary on the kind of talent that should be recruited for this beloved role.
Recognized as one of the greatest actors of this generation and a three-time Oscar winner, Streep’s name might seem whimsical for a character like Lucius Malfoy. However, Isaacs’ assertion may strike a chord with many fans who recognize his penchant for satire. After all, casting Streep could present an unconventional interpretation of Malfoy, marking a significant shift as the franchise reboots.
With the remake planning to run over seven seasons, each adapting J.K. Rowling’s original seven books, this bold choice wouldn’t be entirely outlandish. Isaacs' suggestion opens the door for a greater conversation on casting and inclusivity — especially with Ghanian-British actor Paapa Essiedu already confirmed for the role of Severus Snape and Jon Lithgow stepping into the sizable shoes of Albus Dumbledore.
Notably, Isaacs expresses no desire to impinge on the new cast’s journey. He humorously admitted in the same interview, “I wouldn’t have any advice at all. I know some of the people they’re casting already. They’re brilliant actors. It’s going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me.”
Fans are eager for the new series, despite the controversies surrounding Rowling’s vocal opposition to gender identity rights, an issue that has caused rifts within the community and among cast members over the years. In balancing these sentiments, Isaacs summarized some of the complexities. He remarked on the challenging realities that permeate any discourse related to Rowling's views. Back in 2022, he reflected, “There’s a bunch of stuff about Jo… I don’t want to get drawn into the trans issues, talking about them, because it’s such an extraordinary minefield.”
As the Harry Potter saga moves forward, it has to contend with the shadows of its past alongside the excitement for what the future holds. Isaacs provided a glimpse back into his own experiences during the original Harry Potter films, recalling the not-so-glamorous aspects of making big special effects films. While he stated that filming the movies “weren’t that much fun to make,” he also noted the silver linings: “However, the pleasures all come afterwards. I see and meet people for whom their lives were changed by it.” He spoke of fans sharing the beloved series with their children, remarking that “Some people say their lives were saved by it, and I believe them.”
As the Harry Potter remake is scheduled to kick off filming in August 2025 and is slated for a 2026 premiere, anticipation is building both for the cinematic journey ahead and how the new cast will navigate these precarious waters. Isaacs may be passing the torch, but his impact continues to echo through the legacy he helped build. With that in mind, whether Streep chooses to step into the Malfoy family legacy or not, one thing is clear: change is coming to the wizarding world.
