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

by Sophia Apr 09,2025

Thailand may be a world away from Hogwarts, but Jason Isaacs, star of The White Lotus Season 3, has a unique perspective on who should succeed him as Lucius Malfoy in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series. In a recent interview with Variety discussing his role in The White Lotus, Isaacs suggested none other than Meryl Streep for the part. "She can do anything, that woman. There’s literally no limit to what she can do," he stated. Streep, known for her versatility, has previously portrayed a male character in the HBO miniseries adaptation of Angels in America, taking on the role of an elderly rabbi among others. This experience suggests she could bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation to Lucius Malfoy.

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

Despite his strong endorsement of Streep, Isaacs refrains from offering any advice to her or anyone who might take on the role. "I wouldn’t have any advice at all. Why would I bother?" he remarked. He expressed confidence in the casting choices already made, noting, "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."

Isaacs first brought Lucius Malfoy to life in the second Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and continued to portray the character through to the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. As for the upcoming series, only one casting has been confirmed so far: John Lithgow will step into the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore, a character previously portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

Speculation is rife about other key roles, with Black Mirror star Paapa Essiedu reportedly nearing a deal to play Severus Snape, a role originally played by Alan Rickman, and Jessica Jones star Janet McTeer rumored to be in discussions to portray Minerva McGonagall, originally brought to life by Maggie Smith. However, no official confirmations have been made for these roles yet.