Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Gary Oldman Says HBO’s Harry Potter Series Could Satisfy Fans
Gary Oldman played Sirius Black in the Harry Potter movies.
He thinks the new HBO television series could be more satisfying than the films.
The movies had to leave out many parts of the books.
Oldman says the series may follow the books almost word-for-word.
That could give characters more time and detail.
Oldman praised Chris Columbus and the original cast for building the film world.
He called Harry Potter a special phenomenon.
The new series is planned for Christmas 2026 on HBO and HBO Max.
Gary Oldman says HBO’s Harry Potter series could adapt the books nearly word-for-word and be more satisfying for viewers.
He believes the television format can restore character detail and story material cut from the films.
Oldman played Sirius Black from 2004 through 2011, including appearances in four Harry Potter films.
He praised Chris Columbus for helping establish the original films and cast, calling the franchise a rare phenomenon.
The series is scheduled to debut at Christmas 2026 on HBO and stream on HBO Max, with a new cast.
- Who
- Gary Oldman, the original Harry Potter film cast, and the new HBO series cast.
- What
- Oldman said the television adaptation could be more satisfying because it may preserve more story and character detail than the films.
- When
- Oldman discussed the series in an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival; the series is scheduled to debut at Christmas 2026.
- Where
- The series will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max.
- Why
- Oldman said the films had to cut substantial material, while the series may adapt the books nearly word-for-word.
- Actor interviewed
- Gary Oldman
- Harry Potter role
- Sirius Black
- Original film appearances
- Oldman appeared from 2004 through 2011, including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and later films.
- Adaptation difference
- The television series may include more story and character detail than the films.
- Planned debut
- Christmas 2026
- Platforms
- HBO and HBO Max
- Original film contributor praised
- Chris Columbus, who Oldman credited with setting up the world and casting the original films.
