Oscar-winning actor being eyed to play Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV series

Like the movies that preceded it, the Harry Potter show is seeking out major actors for the adult roles.

Earlier this year, the network confirmed that screenwriter Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod (who worked on Succession) were attached to the project.

The logline for the show from HBO reads: "The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.

"The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years."

According to a new report from Variety, Rylance is at the top of the casting wishlist to play Dumbledore - headmaster of Harry's wizarding school Hogwarts.

Based on sources familiar with the show, the publication understands that negotiations have not yet begun with the actor, but that Warner Bros. Television has reached out to gauge interest and availability.

Mark Rylance with his Oscar

A spokesperson for HBO told Variety: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation.

"As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals."

Rylance, 64, is currently on screens starring in the acclaimed BBC historical drama series Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Steven Spielberg's 2015 spy thriller Bridge of Spies.

He reteamed with the legendary director again on The BFG and Ready Player One.

On top of this, Rylance has had roles in Bones and All, Don't Look Up, Dunkirk, The Outfit, The Phantom of the Open and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

He is also set to play Satan in The Way of the Wind, iconic director Terrence Malick's upcoming biblical epic about the life of Jesus.

Rylance's potential casting comes not long after Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the Harry Potter film franchise, seemed to express an interest in playing Dumbledore in the TV version of the story.

As for Harry, Hermoine and Ron - the new adaptation has launched an open casting call to find its main child stars.

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