A new Harry Potter casting rumor has linked a big superhero actor to HBO Max’s upcoming television reboot. The casting would connect the Wizarding World with both Marvel’s mutants and the DC Universe.
According to scooper Daniel Richtman, Nicholas Hoult was reportedly in talks for a major role in the series. The report did not initially reveal which character he would play or whether the talks had reached an advanced stage.
The new show will adapt J.K. Rowling‘s seven-book series across seven seasons, with each season focusing on one book. HBO has described it as a faithful TV adaptation, with each season expected to focus on one book.
Why this rumored Harry Potter casting has fans talking?
Hoult is already connected with two popular superhero films. He played Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, in four X-Men films. They include X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix.
He later joined James Gunn’s DC Universe as Lex Luthor in Superman. Hoult’s version of the famous villain is a wealthy businessman and scientist who is determined to take down David Corenswet’s Superman.
That’s why this rumor has fans talking, even though his possible Harry Potter role remains unknown. Hoult could portray a teacher, Ministry member, Death Eater, or any other major adult role. However, at the time, there was no clarity about which role he would play.
The actor also auditioned to play Harry Potter in the original film series. He later joked that he was now “a little bit too old to play Harry.” Hoult has also spoken positively about the books and praised director Mark Mylod, who previously worked with him on The Menu.
Mark Mylod is attached to direct several episodes of the new series. Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner and executive producer.
HBO has not announced Hoult as part of the official cast. The project is still in development, and more casting updates are expected before production begins.