Former ‘Harry Potter’ Star Slams HBO’s New Show: “It’s an Endless Quest for Money”

Miriam Margolyes, best known for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series, has spoken out against HBO’s upcoming television adaptation of the beloved books.

The 84-year-old actor, who won a BAFTA for her role in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film The Age of Innocence, shared her thoughts during a recent appearance on Capital Breakfast.

Asked about her past negative comments on Harry Potter, Margolyes told listeners that fans “should be over that by now.” Explaining her viewpoint, she added, “[The book series] wasn’t part of my childhood, it was part of my bank balance.”

When questioned about whether she would participate in HBO’s upcoming remake, set to premiere in early 2027, Margolyes made it clear she would decline. “I wouldn’t have accepted. I don’t see why they need to make another one. I thought it was perfectly good as it was. But I suppose it’s the endless search for money. And they don’t need it! The people who were the producers, they made a fortune,” she said.

HBO’s Harry Potter series is being produced by HBO Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television, Brontë Film & TV, and Heyday Films. The show stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Other key cast members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

The adaptation aims to faithfully bring J.K. Rowling’s books to life, with showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod leading the project. Casting for the main roles began in late 2024, with over 32,000 actors considered. Principal photography started in July at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England. The first season will consist of eight episodes.

Margolyes is not alone in her criticism. Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films, has also expressed skepticism about the need for the new series.

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