HBO has thrown out one of the Harry Potter movies' biggest rules, but other casting controversies prove this is the least of the TV remake's problems. We all knew that re-adapting the Harry Potter series was going to be tricky. This is a beloved franchise, and messing with the way audiences see these stories and their characters will certainly invite backlash. Add in the controversy surrounding author JK Rowling, and it's clear that the Harry Potter remake can't avoid negative buzz. Now that HBO has announced its first round of casting, we are seeing this firsthand.

So far, six adult actors have been confirmed for the Dumbledore will be played by John Lithgow (Conclave). Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) has been cast as the morally complicated Severus Snape, while Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) has claimed the role of lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Finally, we have Janet McTeer, Paul Whitehouse, and Luke Thallon officially cast as Minerva McGonagall, Argus Filch, and Quirinus Quirrell, respectively. The public has had a great deal to say about this news. However, the fact that John Lithgow is American is, surprisingly, hardly noteworthy.

HBO Casting An American For The Harry Potter Remake Has Been Far Less Controversial Than Other Choices

Breaking This Rule Is The Least Of HBO's Problems

The Harry Potter movies famously only cast English actors for the primary roles. Since the characters (aside from those like Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum) are all from the UK, it was more authentic to keep this constant with each actor. This, naturally, limited the number of Hollywood actors who could be cast. Names like Robin Williams were famously considered for the films, but the precedent was quickly established that only UK actors would be in the movie. Now, HBO's Harry Potter remake has officially thrown out that cardinal rule.

John Lithgow is an American actor and will be playing one of the most important roles in the Harry Potter series. Dumbledore's casting was the first big piece of solid news we received about the Harry Potter TV remake, so it's interesting that such an important rule of the previous adaptations was tossed out in one fell swoop. Lithgow's role essentially means that all bets are off regarding where HBO can find its actors, and it can't be denied that this ruffled some feathers. However, the fact that the TV show won't have an exclusively UK cast didn't stay the top piece of news for long.

Inversely, it has been considered problematic that a Black actor would be cast as one of the most sinister and morally complicated characters in Harry Potter.

Of the six actors confirmed for Harry Potter so far, only Lithgow is American. However, this far from guarantees peaceful acceptance of the other stars. Essiedu's casting has been especially controversial. It's difficult to imagine this traditionally attractive actor playing the greasy and despicable Severus Snape, and part of the fear here is that this will naturally make the professor more sympathetic. Inversely, it has been considered problematic that a Black actor would be cast as one of the most sinister and morally complicated characters in Harry Potter.

There Will Be Trouble Either Way - HBO Shouldn't Be Afraid To Broaden Its Casting Pool

Now's The Best Time To Take Some Risks

Since Lithgow is the only American actor confirmed for the Harry Potter TV show so far, it may be that HBO is trying to resist the temptation to toss out the movies' old rule entirely. However, the fact that Lithgow's nationality has been far less controversial than Essiedu's attractiveness and race or JK Rowling's general involvement is evidence that the Harry Potter TV show shouldn't bother itself. The remake is going to face controversy one way or another, so the casting team must prioritize talent above all else.

HBO's Harry Potter remake is expected to premiere in 2027.

John Lithgow has extensive experience as an actor and will surely do Albus Dumbledore justice, even as an American. With so much chaos surrounding the Harry Potter series, it would be a real shame if HBO ed up further non-UK actors when they would have brought something spectacular to the role. The rules and precedents established by the Harry Potter movies worked out perfectly, but the TV remake will be an entirely new entity. At this point, it's better to start with an empty rulebook.