Jason Isaacs Surprises with Lucius Malfoy Casting Choice for HBO's Harry Potter Series

Though Thailand might seem worlds away from the magical halls of Hogwarts, Jason Isaacs, known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and currently starring in The White Lotus Season 3, has shared his unique perspective on who should succeed him in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series. In an interview with Variety focused on his work in The White Lotus, Isaacs humorously suggested Meryl Streep for the role of Lucius Malfoy.

"She can do anything, that woman. There’s literally no limit to what she can do," Isaacs praised Streep. Interestingly, Streep has previously portrayed male characters, notably in the HBO miniseries adaptation of the epic play Angels in America, where she played an elderly male rabbi among other roles. This versatility suggests she could indeed bring a unique interpretation to Lucius Malfoy.

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

Despite his bold casting suggestion, Isaacs expressed that he has no advice to offer to whoever ends up taking on the role. "I wouldn’t have any advice at all. Why would I bother?" he remarked. He confidently added that he is aware of some of the actors already cast in the series and believes they are "brilliant actors," ensuring that the show will be "fantastic."

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 new adaptation, the only confirmed casting at the time of this publication is John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, a role previously filled by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

Rumors suggest that Paapa Essiedu, known from Black Mirror, is nearing a deal to play Severus Snape, a role originally portrayed by Alan Rickman. Similarly, Janet McTeer, recognized from Jessica Jones, is reportedly close to being cast as Minerva McGonagall, originally played by Maggie Smith. However, these casting choices have not been officially confirmed yet.

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