TV series casting rumor: Mark Rylance may be Albus Dumbledore

There are many differing opinions on the benefits or need for the upcoming HBO Max adaptation of the Harry Potter series and a critical component is the casting. Apart from the trio of adolescent actors who will carry the bulk of the stories, the roles of the mentors have the most potential for for a great impact. We finally have a possible frontrunner for the role of Hogwarts' most celebrated headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

Cromwell confirmed?

According to reports from Variety, Mark Rylance is "at the top of the casting wishlist" for the role. This comes from "sources familiar with the project," but "Warner Bros. Television hasn't yet entered into negotiations with the actor." It is interesting to note that the studio "has reached out to gauge interest and availability." The site also cites a representative of HBO as saying that details have not been finalized and "We appreciate that uch a high profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation."

Rylance is currently playing Thomas Cromwell, English statesman and chief minister to King Henry VIII, in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. This would be an appropriate background for someone who is Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. On the other hand, he played the eccentric and problematic genius Anorak/Halliday in the 2018 adaptation of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One.

Possibly the strongest role in favor of Rylance is his role in The BFG. As the titular Big Friendly Giant in the Steven Spielberg-directed film version of a Roald Dahl novel,, he has proven his acting chops in working with children as a benevolent and often far-thinking character.

As with the Harry Potter films, says Variety, "WBD is oping to populate the adult cast with some of the U.K.'s best-known actors." We look forward to confirmations of who that includes in news to come.