Nicholas Hoult Hints at Joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series After Losing Original Film Role

Nicholas Hoult may have missed his chance to play the Boy Who Lived two decades ago, but the X-Men and The Favourite star has not ruled out joining the Wizarding World just yet.

Appearing on Today on 30 June, Hoult confirmed he auditioned to play Harry Potter as a child and joked that he might still be able to squeeze into Hogwarts, even at 35.

'I Think I Can Still Play 11'

When asked by host Craig Melvin whether he would consider joining the upcoming HBO reboot of Harry Potter, Hoult was quick to share his enthusiasm.

Hoult, known for his sharp wit, was not ready to count himself out.

'I think I can probably play 11 still,' he laughed. 'I just walk in with some glasses and a scar on my head and be like, "Hey, what's up? I'm ready."'

Melvin suggested Hoult message director Mark Mylod directly, similar to how the actor landed the role of Lex Luthor in Superman by contacting James Gunn via Instagram.

'I even have Mylod's phone number now,' Hoult quipped. 'So I can just text him and be like, "Dude, what's up? Am I too old for Harry this time?"'

Although Hoult lost the role of Harry Potter to Daniel Radcliffe in the early 2000s, his love for the series has not faded. He praised the reboot's storytelling potential and appeared open to joining the cast in a different role.

HBO's Wizarding World Revival

In April 2023, HBO announced that it would adapt each of J.K. Rowling's seven books into a dedicated season, promising a decade-long retelling of the magical saga.

Dominic McLaughlin is set to star as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout cast as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, and Paapa Essiedu takes on the role of Severus Snape.

Other confirmed cast members include Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge.

Rowling Praises Scripts

Despite backlash over her past remarks, Rowling remains deeply involved in the project. On 21 June, she posted on X: 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!'

While Hoult might not end up in Gryffindor robes, his playful comments suggest fans could still see him walking the halls of Hogwarts — perhaps in a role he never imagined as a young actor once vying to be the boy wizard.