British actor Bertie Carvel has been cast as Cornelius Fudge in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. However, he recently revealed that his return after the first season will depend on how fans react to his performance.
Carvel, known for his roles in The Crown and Matilda the Musical, will play the Minister of Magic in the new adaptation. The character was previously played by the late Robert Hardy in the original films. While Fudge appears in multiple books, Carvel hinted that he may not continue beyond the first season if fans are not satisfied.
Bertie Carvel’s Thoughts On Playing Cornelius Fudge
In an interview with The Times, Carvel shared his excitement about joining the Harry Potter universe. He admitted that he had not read the books before getting the role but quickly caught up.
“I’ve read one script, which I loved, and I’ve read the books. I hadn’t before I got the role. I think I saw one of the films, maybe two. As a boy, if I had read these books, I would have devoured them. So I am coming at it with a really open mind.”
He also made it clear that his future in the series is uncertain.
“Whether I come back [after the first series] probably depends on what the fans think. I mean, I’ll be furious if it’s not an amazing part.”
Why Cornelius Fudge’s Role Could Be Short-Lived
In the Harry Potter books, Cornelius Fudge first appears in Chamber of Secrets and remains a key figure until Half-Blood Prince, where he resigns as Minister of Magic. However, the HBO series is reportedly introducing him earlier, in the first season, which adapts Philosopher’s Stone.
If the show follows the books closely, Fudge’s role will expand in later seasons. But Carvel’s comments suggest he may exit if fan feedback is negative. This has sparked discussions among fans, with some supporting his cautious approach while others believe he should commit to the full arc.
The Cast Of HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot
The new series features a mix of newcomers and established actors. The main trio includes:
- Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
- Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
- Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
Other major cast members are:
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
- Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
- Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
The series is set to begin filming later this year, with a planned release in 2026. Each season will cover one book, aiming for a seven-season run.
Fan Reactions To Bertie Carvel’s Casting
While some fans are excited about Carvel’s casting, others have expressed concerns. Social media reactions have been mixed, with debates over whether he fits the role. Some fans compared him to Robert Hardy, while others believe he will bring a fresh take.
One fan tweeted:
“Bertie Carvel is a fantastic actor, but I’m not sure he’s the right fit for Fudge. Robert Hardy was perfect. Let’s see how it goes.”
Another wrote:
“Carvel has the perfect mix of charm and authority for Fudge. Excited to see his version!”
The Pressure Of Joining The Harry Potter Universe
Carvel is no stranger to high-profile roles, having played Tony Blair in The Crown and Donald Trump in a stage play. However, joining the Harry Potter franchise comes with immense fan expectations.
He acknowledged this pressure but remains optimistic.
“I don’t know how it’s going to fit into my life. I’ve been more interested in variety, in not doing the same thing twice. But I’m a bit older now. I’ve got a bit less wanderlust, I’m happier to stay still.”
What’s Next For The Harry Potter Reboot?
The series, described as a faithful adaptation, is being developed by Francesca Gardiner (showrunner) and Mark Mylod (director). J.K. Rowling is serving as an executive producer, though her involvement has been controversial due to past statements.
HBO has not yet confirmed an official release date, but production is expected to start soon. Fans can expect more casting announcements as pre-production continues.
Credits: Sources include Deadline, The Times, Metro, and IMDb.
