The filming of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” was marked by a dramatic event, forcing the production to make a huge change.
Like every Tuesday for several weeks, TF1 viewers can dive back into the saga Harry Potter. The third episode, titled The Prisoner of Azkaban, is broadcast this November 7 from 9:10 p.m. The most observant, however, will notice a significant casting change in this new episode.
The production was indeed forced to change actors to play Albus Dumbledore. And no artistic disagreements or planning concerns are at work, since a drama occurred behind the scenes, making this change essential before filming.
Richard Harris, who played the headmaster of Hogwarts in the first two episodes of the magical franchise, sadly died on October 25, 2002 at the age of 72. The Irish comedian had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease a few months earlier. This is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system, which can affect different parts of the body.
A casting change that does not go unnoticed
The death of Richard Harris occurred at the start of filmingHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The production, and particularly the director Alfonso Cuarón, set out to quickly find a replacement for him. It is ultimately the actor Michael Gambon who will inherit the role.
Asked about reprising this role, Michael Gambon confided that he had decided to give his own style to the character, while retaining the Irish accent, in homage to the deceased: “Hundreds of actors have played King Lear, without take care of the approach of their predecessors. An actor takes a role and makes it his own, period.” His performance as Albus Dumbledore, more modern and dynamic than that of his predecessor, alternately aroused admiration or criticism among fans.
Michael Gambon played Albus Dumbledore during the rest of the saga Harry Potteruntil 2011. He also died on September 27, 2023, from pneumonia.