Doctor Who icon favourite to play Lucius in controversial Harry Potter show
The Muggle world has been set alight with rumours and fan favourite picks for who could play who in the upcoming TV adaptation of Harry Potter.
HBO has already selected three young actors from the sorting hat to play Harry, Hermione and Ron, with Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout now on the precipice of international fame.
They will be joined in the wizarding world by John Lithgow as headmaster Albus Dumbledore, I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
The casting news has been met with a mixed reception, given how contentious JK Rowling has become in recent years amid her anti-trans views. A number of actors have ruled themselves out entirely.
There are still several key players from Hogwarts who have yet to be cast – with the cruel Lucius Malfoy among them.
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
The current favourite to sport the straightened blonde wig and do terrible things to Dobby is none other than the Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith.
Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take…
It's obvious where the thought behind this came from. Take one look at Matt Smith in House of the Dragon and you'll think 'Now who does this hair remind me of…?'
Between that and his fiery yellow mohawk in Darren Aronofsky's new film, Smith has proven he's willing to put the hair transformation work in to get the results on screen.
But would he be any good as the Death Eater? His wolfish part in House of the Dragon would suggest he could – but it's hard to argue with some of the other (perhaps better) names in play here.
Tom Felton would be a wink and a nod to the original films (if he would want to return) while a gender flipped Lucius with Streep would provide a fresh dimension to the Draco relationship.
Although, given that the Thrones spin-off is another HBO title, casting Smith would certainly save the props department a wig-sourcing job.
The 42-year-old is currently top of a bookmaker's list of favourites to take on the character from Jason Isaacs' portrayal in the films, sitting with 6/4 odds.
However, he's closely followed by Potter alum Tom Felton, who played Lucius's similarly peroxide blonde son Draco, and has 13/8 odds to reprise a Malfoy role in the TV show, according to Gambling.com.
Unlike his co-stars from the original films, Felton has not completely disavowed JK Rowling over her anti-trans views. Instead, he acknowledged the author was responsible for the franchise while also saying he is 'pro-human rights across the board' in an interview with The Independent.
The next person in the list might have something of an edge, because not only do they have Isaacs' approval, but several Oscars on at home to boot.
Isaacs said the Death Eater should be played by Meryl Streep, telling Variety: 'She can do anything, that woman. There's literally no limit to what she can do.' Who would make the best Lucius Malfoy?
Plus, we know Streep has a villainous role in her arsenal after her terrifying turn as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, with 2/1 odds for the role. More Trending
Isaacs was also asked if he had any advice for whoever is next to take on the role and questioned whether he needs to bother offering pearls of wisdom.
'I know some of the people they're casting already,' he said. 'They're brilliant actors. It's going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me.'
There's every possibility Lucius won't be cast anytime soon, as the character doesn't appear in the first film. Although given that the TV show plans to be a more detailed adaptation, Lucius might be bumped up a season.
View More »
The Harry Potter TV show will air in 2026.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: I love Billie Piper but her return proves Doctor Who is doomed
MORE: What Billie Piper said in the past about Doctor Who being a woman
MORE: Is Billie Piper the 16th Doctor? Everything we know about her Doctor Who return
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
National Trust in row over artwork that references JK Rowling
The National Trust has become embroiled in a row over JK Rowling. Last year, the Trust property of Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire installed an interactive artwork titled A Virtuous Woman, which has since become the focus of a gender dispute. The large embroidery at the stately home allowed visitors to stitch onto it the names of inspirational women, with Marie Curie and Margaret Thatcher among the names stitched into the artwork. One visitor added the name of Rowling, who has become a vocal opponent of gender ideology and transgender access to women's spaces. Rowling's name was subsequently struck out with a series of new stitches in the colours of the transgender flag, while other names were left untouched. The writer Jean Hatchet, a supporter of Rowling, visited Hardwick in May and unpicked the stitches in protest. The National Trust has now responded to this protest by removing the contested artwork entirely while assessing what it called the 'damage' to the piece. Women's Rights Network for Derbyshire and Staffordshire, which supports the sex-based rights for women and girls, has branded the Trust's actions 'shameful'. The group urged the Trust to avoid 'complicity in enabling the disrespecting of a courageous woman's name'. The Trust said that it had no involvement with the artwork itself other than allowing it to be displayed at Hardwick. The piece was created by Layla Khoo, an artist at the University of Leeds. A disclaimer accompanying the piece stated that the names of women added to the artwork did not represent the values of either the artist or the National Trust. The Trust said that the artwork was open to be altered until November last year, after which it was not to be tampered with. This means that Ms Hatchet's intervention to remove the stitches in Rowling's name constitutes damage to the finished piece. A National Trust spokesman said: 'The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. We ask visitors not to tamper with any art on display.' The Trust is now considering what to do with the artwork. The row over Rowling's name follows the Harry Potter author's increasing involvement in gender-critical causes. Her opposition to the belief that people can self-identify as men or women, and enter sex-based spaces, has led critics to brand her ' transphobic '. She was recently attacked in a new single by the singer Kate Nash. The spoken-word track, titled Germ, levelled accusations of gender-critical views being 'exclusionary, regressive, misogynist '.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Inside the new Epic Universe theme park with 11 new rides
Universal Studios Orlando, since opening in 1990, has grown into a major entertainment hub, drawing 10 million visitors annually across its Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay parks. In 2019, Universal announced plans for a fourth park, promising an unprecedented level of immersion and innovation. Six years later, that vision has materialised. Epic Universe, the first major theme park in Orlando in 25 years, represents a $7.5 billion investment (£5.5 billion) and a significant leap forward in theme park design. During the opening week, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, described the park as "the most technologically advanced park in the world". This is everything you need to know about the new Epic Universe theme park and what tourists can expect. What are the rides like? With 11 new rides, one of which has been deemed the best dark ride in the world, I was eager to get started. With five worlds to explore – How to Train Your Dragon; Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; Dark Universe; and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic (all centred around the main hub of Celestial Park) – I was lucky I had three days. Each world is entered through its own portal, backed-up with its own music and theming, making visitors feel like they have truly been transported into a different dimension. None more so, than the colourful Super Nintendo World with its sea of rainbow, sounds of coins being collected and Venus flytraps chomping away to that well-known theme tune. Rides range from family coasters, such as Hiccups Wing Gliders – a firm favourite with our group, to the high-speed, dual racing thrill ride of Stardust Racers. Fyre Drill is a water soaker perfect for cooling down in the humid Floridian heat, while airborne Dragon Racers Rally allows you to barrel-roll your own dragon, should you desire. If you're a fan of Mario Kart, then Bowser's Challenge is definitely one to try. This fully immersive version of the game puts riders behind the wheel of their very own moving kart. Donning a special Mario cap along with high-tech virtual reality glasses, I took my place in the kart and head out on my own mission to collect as many coins as possible while encountering Mario favourites. For me, Dark Universe was the real showstopper. I was lucky enough to visit this area during the day and at night, and I have to say, if you get the chance to go after dark, you won't leave disappointed. It has to be the most atmospheric and creepy park, EVER! Monsters Unchained is one of those rides you can go on time and time again, each time a different experience. I rode this four times and still felt like I had missed some elements of it. Sat on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm, I entered the abyss of Dr Victoria Frankenstein's experiment, being tilted backwards and forwards, up and down, as a revolt of enraged monsters came at me. Despite Dark Universe being my particular favourite world, I would challenge anyone to not be impressed by the Ministry of Magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With anticipated queue times of up to five hours, its reputation certainly precedes it. The entrance is an exact replica of the one in the films. Bottle-green glossy tiles line the walls, along with posters with moving images. Even the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo makes riders disappear in a plume of green smoke. The ride itself is definitely worth the wait and is a lot longer than you would anticipate as you travel deep into the depths of the Ministry's many departments to the trial of Delores Umbridge, encountering uninvited guests along the way. The live shows you can't miss Aside from the rides, there are two notable live shows at Epic and you won't want to miss either. I'm not usually much of a fan of park shows, but both of these soon had me changing my mind. The Untrainable Dragon, within Isle of Berk, treats audiences to a spectacular, musical show, complete with dragons, amazing stage effects and a moving toothless dragon animatronic that soars above the audience. Even if you have never seen the films, you can't fail to be impressed, while Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes part in a small circus tent and combines a magical performance of illusions, puppetry and immersive effects, that has audiences captivated right from the preshow. The best dining options Whilst Celestial Park is the hub of Epic, with many dining options, there are plenty to be found in each world, with the theming spilling over into the menus. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, pubs and street carts, I am spoilt for choice, with everything from Parisian street cafes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the deathly dishes at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe. During my visit I sampled the delights of Mead Hall in Isle of Berk – a one stop shop for Viking cuisine. Serving everything from sandwiches to meat platters and what seemed to be popular choice – Mac and Cheese cones. For the more discerning diner, the Atlantic restaurant in Celestial Park provides a fine under-the-sea dining experience, with a seafood-based menu. But for me, the Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World was a big hit, with its Mario and Luigi burgers and Bowser's Fireball Challenge. Where to stay Epic Universe brings three new hotels – The Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. If your budget allows, then staying at Helios is a no-brainer. This starry 500 room extravaganza has amazing views overlooking Epic and even has its own entrance to the park. For the more budget-minded, the Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer a more affordable option. I stayed at the Stella Nova resort, just a short shuttle ride away. For me, this was the perfect option. I had great views of the park and the onsite pool and bar area made for a relaxing afternoon in amongst what was a hectic few days. Staying onsite also gives guests early park admission. Overall verdict For me, Epic Universe is truly that. Everything from the theming to the rides, food to the park itself has raised the bar in the world of theme parks. No expense has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level. But with demand expected to be high, ticket sales only allow for one-day passes throughout 2025, so planning ahead is key. I've no doubt the celebrations will continue for many months to come, but for now, the memories will live on. So, until next time, Universal… you have been Epic! How to plan your trip British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829pp, including flights and room only accommodation.
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
It's been 5 years since one of the best LGBTQ+ shows and I'm still obsessed
Mae Martin's semi-autobiographical show, Feel Good, remains one of the greatest gifts to LGBTQ+ TV five years after its premiere. The two-season comedy starring Mae as a fictionalised version of themselves and Charlotte Ritchie as their love interest George has to be one of my favourite depictions of queerness in all of its forms. The Channel 4 show first came out to plenty of acclaim and fanfare, securing it a second season and cultivating plenty of impressed fans along the way, myself included. For the uninitiated, the first episode opens on George (Ritchie), who is initially characterised as a stereotypical heterosexual woman on a comedy night out with her uptight friend Binky – and utterly enthralled by Mae's pithy stand-up set. When the two connect later that night, we embark on the charming, turbulent (often heartbreaking) story of their relationships that explores late-in-life coming out, self-empowerment, gender identity, and co-dependency. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. All of this is hooked onto the central throughline around Mae's past struggle with addiction, their attempts to stay sober, and reckoning with a traumatic past as they try to envision a future with George. Martin manages to write tender and evocative scenes depicting the pervasive ways that addiction has imploded not only Mae's life but those of the people around them – including their parents (portrayed by Lisa Kudrow and Adrian Lukis in the show). Meanwhile, George is by no means forgotten by the plot. We see her work through her fears around her identity, her anxieties around being another thing her partner is addicted to, her complex relationship with her parents and even question what she wants out of her career. Heck, even messy roommate Phil (portrayed by Phil Burgers) gets some tearjerking character development throughout the 12 episodes. What makes Feel Good so refreshing is – despite the difficult and heavy topics it deals with – it delivers them with such frankness and with so many well-weaved wisecracks in between that it also stands up as one of the funniest shows around. Whatever Mae and Charlotte were infusing into that script was comedy gold that can flip you from crying to laughing with a well-timed punchline. In a TV landscape where it is rare to see well-fleshed-out queer women and non-binary characters, Feel Good offers this representation in spades and makes no apologies for the fact that sometimes both George and Mae can be utterly unlikable. Yet you can't help rooting for them anyway. It is also one of my favourite depictions of love on screen. As something worth fighting for at its ugliest and messiest, because that's when you know there could be something beautiful underneath. The show knows exactly when to go all in on the madness, like the episode where George goes to a wedding for the day so Mae completely spirals and ends up on a completely mad dash with her (kind of) sponsor Maggie to stalk her daughter Lava (Rity Arya). Or the time Mae and George go to Blackpool to bury the ashes of Mae's cat Solomon with their parents, and the day breaks down into chaos. Or when Mae dresses up as a medieval knight and proposes to George in a school hall. The list goes on… But it also completely disarms you by interspersing the hijinks with moments of depth, such as when Mae admits to wearing black all the time because they are afraid to wear colour, and it breaks George's heart. Or when the couple talk about Mae's gender identity and George simply tells them, 'you tell me the right words and I'll use them'. Even the moment George realises that despite her whole life having changed after finding love with Mae, she still misses her old friends, despite the fact that they don't totally get her now. Strangely, it also serves as a time capsule of this golden time in the late 2010s/early 20s when we seemed to have reached the pinnacle of LGBTQ+ and women's rights. When championing trans rights was seen as the mainstream stance; calling out high-profile abusers hadn't completely devolved into a social media battle over wokery and cancellation; and the TV industry felt like it was making an active effort to platform complex queer stories told in full (rather than being cancelled premturely). I love how Charlotte and George are selfish and angry and enabling and scared. I love how queer intimacy is portrayed as something tender and heartfelt and kinky and messy and fragile and rough. Most of all, I love that we get a satisfying happy ending. No ifs, ands or buts. More Trending I'm desperate to see more British adult comedies explore the ever-evolving LGBTQ+ community through a queer female and non-binary lens that reach the same calibre as Feel Good. So, for those who have never seen it, this is your sign to watch it. Right now. And for those who have, what are you waiting for? It's overdue for a rewatch to hit you in the feels all over again. View More » Feel Good is available to stream on Netflix now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The words I wish I could say to my 17-year-old closeted self MORE: Holly Willoughby suffers major blow as Netflix show is 'axed' after one season MORE: I binge-watch TV for a living – here are my recommendations for June
