‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Star, 47, Admits He May Not Return for Season 2 of Max’s New Series

It looks like Harry Potter‘s Minister for Magic might not be running the wizarding world for long. Bertie Carvel, who’s stepping into the role of Cornelius Fudge for HBO’s Harry Potter reboot, has admitted he’s not certain he’ll stick around beyond Season 1 — and the decision, he says, may rest with the fans. In a new interview with The Times, the Doctor Foster and The Crown actor revealed that while he’s enjoyed diving into J.K. Rowling’s magical universe, his future on the show isn’t guaranteed. “I am coming at it with a really open mind,” he said. “Whether I come back [after the first series] probably depends on what the fans think. I mean, I’ll be furious if it’s not an amazing part.”

Carvel is taking over the character originally played by Robert Hardy, a performance still fondly remembered by many fans of the original film series. Now 47, the actor also admitted that earlier in his career, he likely would’ve avoided a project of this scale. “I would have run a million miles [from it],” he said. “I’ve been more interested in variety, in not doing the same thing twice. But I’m a bit older now. I’ve got a bit less wanderlust. I’m happier to stay still.”

That stillness may come in handy. Filming for Harry Potter begins this summer at Warner Bros. Studios in Watford, just a 40-minute commute from the North London home Carvel shares with his wife, actress Sally Scott, and their son.

Who Else Is Involved in ‘Harry Potter’?

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin, and Alastair Stout smiling in the Harry Potter TV series. — Image via HBO

While Carvel dodged questions about controversy surrounding the series’ executive producer J.K. Rowling, he confirmed that he’s read the books now — a first for him, even after being cast. “I’ve read one script, which I loved, and I’ve read the books. I hadn’t before I got the role,” he shared.

Carvel joins a packed ensemble for the HBO reboot, including The Crown co-star John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, and newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout as Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

The reboot will span multiple seasons and closely follow Rowling’s original novels, with Season 1 focusing on The Philosopher’s Stone. The series is expected to premiere in 2026.

Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest updates as we gear up to return to Hogwarts for Harry Potter.