Thailand may be worlds away from the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, but Jason Isaacs—famed for his portrayal of Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series—still has a few magical opinions to share. With HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series in development, the White Lotus Season 3 star recently weighed in on who he thinks should step into the role he once made iconic.
In a new interview with Variety, centered around his current project, Isaacs didn’t hesitate when asked about a dream successor: “Meryl Streep,” he declared. “She can do anything, that woman. There’s literally no limit to what she can do.” And he’s not just throwing out a name for show—Streep has already proven her transformative power on screen, notably in HBO’s Angels in America miniseries, where she portrayed multiple roles, including an elderly male rabbi. If anyone could convincingly embody the icy, aristocratic demeanor of a Malfoy—even as a woman playing a man—it’s her.
Meryl Streep. Photo by Christopher Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images.
Still, Isaacs isn’t one to hand out advice. When asked if he had any tips for actors stepping into the wizarding world, he waved it off entirely. “I wouldn’t have any advice at all. Why would I bother?” he said. “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 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and continued the role through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, leaving a lasting impression with his chilling presence and aristocratic menace. As for the new series, only one casting has been officially confirmed so far.
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John Lithgow is officially set to portray Albus Dumbledore, a role previously brought to life by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. While no other casting announcements have been finalized, rumors are swirling. Paapa Essiedu of Black Mirror fame is reportedly close to being cast as Severus Snape—a role immortalized by Alan Rickman—while Janet McTeer, known for Jessica Jones, is said to be in talks for the role of Minerva McGonagall, once portrayed by the late Maggie Smith. However, HBO has yet to confirm these reports.
