AI-generated artwork proposes dream cast for Harry Potter series

The online gaming website Hearts Land used an artificial intelligence (AI) generator to find out what actors from other HBO series, including “House of the Dragon,” “The Sopranos,” and “Game of Thrones” might look like if they were cast in the Harry Potter television show that would present one book from the magical seven-book series per season.

“One of the most exciting applications of AI is that it gives fans a new way to express their creativity and enthusiasm when supporting their favorite franchises – including Harry Potter, which is having a resurgence right now,” a statement from Hearts Land said. “Now it’s possible to imagine actors as new or existing characters, which makes the universe and role they’re portraying seem more realistic and relatable. That’s particularly existing for fans who turn to art to start a discussion and to find common ground with others.”

It’s hard to imagine any of the iconic roles in the Harry Potter movies being recast, but based on the theory that HBO often casts the same actors in multiple projects, the AI-generated artwork depicts familiar faces as characters in the Wizarding World – and might even inspire the casting directors.

Paddy Considine as Albus Dumbledore

Although he’s certainly a lot younger than the 150-year-old Hogwarts headmaster, a bit of movie (and makeup) magic could easily make the “House of the Dragon” actor a convincing Dumbledore.

Edie Falco as Minerva McGonagall

Most Harry Potter fans would vote for Dame Maggie Smith to reprise her role; however, if HBO chooses to cast a new actress as the Scottish half-blood witch, AI-generated artwork confirms Edie Falco from “The Sopranos” would be an excellent choice.

Alexander Skarsgard as Lucius Malfoy

There’s no question Jason Isaacs perfectly portrayed the deliciously evil death eater in the Harry Potter films. Still, the AI-generated artwork makes a good case for Alexander Skarsgard from the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” who certainly has the same steely stare and, according to Rotten Tomatoes, “a mysterious magnetism that [makes] him a natural to play dark […] characters.”

Nick Offerman as Rubeus Hagrid

Arguably the most beloved of all the Harry Potter “adult” characters is the half-giant half-human groundskeeper who serves as Harry’s protector and confidant. However, fans have suggested “The Last of Us” actor Nick Offerman would be an excellent pick to play the gentle giant (with some help from special effects to increase his stature).

Adam Driver as Severus Snape

Perhaps the most challenging role to recast for a Harry Potter series would be Professor Snape because the late Alan Rickman so perfectly captured the complicated potions master in his performance. Nevertheless, Harry Potter fans have made a good case for Adam Driver (aka Kylo Ren), who has certainly proven he can play emotionally-conflicted characters and has already appeared on HBO in “Girls.”

Methodology

AI-generated images were created via Deep Dream Generator using prompts “[actor/actress]” as ”[character] from Harry Potter” and similar variants. Fan casting suggestions were influenced by comments on IMDb, mycast, and Reddit.