One of the major movie franchises of the 2000s that took the world by storm was Harry Potter. The films did an amazing job translating author J.K. Rowling's vision onto the screen and introduced an entire set of new young actors to the industry.
The stellar cast captured the characters in exactly the way the reader had imagined them, making the actors household names for an entire generation. However, a decade after the last film in the franchise was released, it might be fun to reimagine the roles with a new ensemble.
Hagrid: Idris Elba
Hagrid was an indispensable part of Harry's life, and one of his few true friends in Hogwarts, apart from Ron and Hermione. Hagrid was literally the first person to introduce Harry to the wizarding world, and was also the one who carried Harry out from the Forbidden Forest during the final moments of the battle of Hogwarts.
Robbie Coltrane's Hagrid was perfect, but if the role was to be recast, it would be fascinating to see Idris Elba portray the endearing giant. Elba, at well over 6 feet, hovering protectively over Harry, would be a fine sight indeed.
Draco Malfoy: Timothée Chalamet
Tom Felton stole a lot of hearts as the brattish Draco, the only son of Death Eaters Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, who joined Hogwarts the same year as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Draco instantly became Harry's nemesis in school, although by the end of the series, he was somewhat redeemed and stayed a conflicted soul.
Young Timothée Chalamet had a breakout role in the critically acclaimed Call Me By Your Name. He has already proved himself to be an excellent actor and would absolutely nail it in a slightly dark role. It's not much of a stretch to imagine him as the proud Slytherin who likes to think of himself as evil, and superior to others, but isn't really.
Sirius Black: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor would be superb as the hunted fugitive who broke out of the wizarding prison, Azkaban, and became Harry's godfather while still on the run.
Gary Oldman made a very dashing Sirius Black, immortalizing the role. But Ejiofor can channel his inner Solomon Upnorth from 12 Years A Slave, and pull off that haunted, desperate demeanor that later turns into a confident reassurance, with effortless ease. The actor has a calming presence that is instantly appealing to the audience.
Minerva McGonagall: Viola Davis
If anyone can step into the very large shoes of Dame Maggie Smith, whose stern but feisty Professor McGonagall shot her to popularity amidst an entire generation of young moviegoers--although god knows the actress had a tremendous career outside the Potterverse--it's Viola Davis.
Davis is undoubtedly one of the most prolific actresses in contemporary cinema. A versatile genius, she has gone from playing bit roles in movies for years to attaining the triple crown of acting, for accomplishments in television, stage, and films. An Academy Award winner and several times Oscar-nominated Davis would be ideal as the spunky professor of transfiguration, who is also the Head of Gryffindor and a mother figure of sorts for Harry.
Albus Dumbledore: Morgan Freeman
The Hogwarts Headmaster was Harry's pillar of support until his shocking death in Harty Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, in the hands of Severus Snape. However, even after his death, Dumbledore continued to help Harry and his friends in their quest for the Horcruxes, from beyond the grave.
Morgan Freeman with his ever twinkling eyes would be perfect as the elderly wizard with a sense of humor, whose wisdom and knowledge become the guiding forces for Harry Potter as he finds himself embroiled in the stunning magical universe.
Voldemort: Liam Neeson
Ralph Fiennes' Voldemort will be etched into the viewer's minds forever. Fiennes is one of the most brilliant actors of his generation and his Lord Voldemort, with his snaky face, slit nostrils and shrill high-pitched voice is just the right amount of creepy, and infinitely evil.
Another actor who would make a very interesting Dark Lord would be Liam Neeson, Fiennes' co-star in the haunting, critically acclaimed Holocaust drama Schindler's List. Neeson's supervillain would be a treat to watch as he makes the character his own and strikes terror in the hearts of magical people and muggles alike.
Severus Snape: Benedict Cumberbatch
The late Alan Rickman's portrayal of Severus Snape was one for the ages. Rickman left an indelible mark as the seemingly evil, misunderstood Half-blood prince who later turned out to be the unsung hero of the series.
It would be intriguing to see Cumberbatch try and pull off the impossible, which is to recreate the enduring magic that Rickman's Snape had created. Cumberbatch has been known to do a fantastic impression of Rickman's very distinctive voice. But one hopes that if he were to indeed play Snape, he would own it, swooping upon unsuspecting students, and terrorizing everybody in and around the Hogwarts castle.
Ron Weasley: Ansel Elgort
The understated hero of the Potterverse is the good-natured Ron Weasley. It takes immense strength to put others' needs first and to stay loyal under the direst of circumstances, especially when you are afraid.
Rupert Grint did a terrific job as Ron Weasley, for as viewers would agree, it's easier to be the hero than to constantly be second fiddle. Ansel Elgort of The Fault In Our Stars fame would make for a perfect Ron, although he might need to have a hair makeover to portray the red-haired Weasley.
Hermione: Saoirse Ronan
Who better than the mesmerizing Saoirse Ronan to play the spirited Hermione Granger, who for all intents and purposes, was one of the heroes of the series. Once again, Emma Watson's Hermione is what will stay in the popular imagination, but there's still room for others to reimagine the character.
The stunning Ronan has shot to unbelievable fame at only 26 years. An extraordinary actress, she earned her first Oscar nomination for playing the young Briony Tallis in Jow Wright's Atonement at the tender age of 13. Ronan's versatility makes her an ideal candidate to play Hermione, who goes from being an insufferable know-it-all to one of Harry's closest friends, confidantes, and pillars of strength.
Harry Potter: Tom Holland
Harry Potter is Daniel Radcliffe, for his is the face that automatically comes to mind when one thinks of the boy wizard. When Radcliffe was cast as the little Harry years ago for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Potter fans, who were around the same age or a little older at the time, were enchanted, for this was the Harry of their dreams.
Who better than to have Peter Parker step in as the hero of the saga and imbue the role with his characteristic boyishness? Holland, complete with a pair of specs, a broom, and a wand, would be perfect as the face of the franchise for a newer generation of Potter fans for whom the epic might need to be reinvented at least once.