Jason Isaacs Suggests Unexpected Actor for Lucius Malfoy in HBO's Harry Potter Series

Thailand might be a long way from the magical halls of Hogwarts, but that hasn't stopped Jason Isaacs, star of The White Lotus Season 3, from weighing in on who should take over his iconic role as Lucius Malfoy in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

In a recent interview with Variety, Isaacs playfully suggested Meryl Streep for the part. "She can do anything, that woman. There's literally no limit to what she can do," he said, referencing Streep's versatility. Streep has indeed portrayed a male character before, taking on multiple roles in the HBO miniseries "Angels in America," including an elderly male rabbi, showcasing her ability to embody diverse characters.

Meryl Streep. Photo by Christopher Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images.

Despite his bold casting choice, Isaacs has no advice for whoever steps into his shoes. "I wouldn't have any advice at all. Why would I bother?" he remarked. He expressed confidence in the new cast, noting that he's already aware of some of the brilliant actors involved. "It's going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me," he added.

Isaacs first portrayed Lucius Malfoy in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and continued to play the character through to "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2." As for the new adaptation, the only confirmed casting so far is John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, a role previously filled by Richard Harris and then Michael Gambon.

Rumors are swirling around other potential cast members, with Black Mirror's Paapa Essiedu reportedly close to being cast as Severus Snape, a role originally played by Alan Rickman, and Jessica Jones' Janet McTeer allegedly in consideration for Minerva McGonagall, originally portrayed by Maggie Smith. However, these roles have yet to be officially confirmed.

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