Brendan Gleeson has expressed hopes for the next actor to portray Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, encouraging them to embrace the role and infuse their own interpretation into it. The beloved actor, who played the iconic Auror across three Harry Potter films, made these remarks during the New York premiere of his latest project, Spider-Noir, held on 13 May.
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When asked about his advice for the next person taking on the character of Mad-Eye Moody, Gleeson simply advised, “Absolutely not.” He continued, “Enjoy yourself, do your own thing,” emphasising the importance of personalisation in acting.
Gleeson originally accepted the part of Mad-Eye Moody due to the excitement it generated among his four sons. “They all roared when they heard. ‘Dad’s going to be Mad-Eye Moody. Wa-hey!’ After that, it was never not going to happen,” he stated, highlighting how his children’s enthusiasm influenced his decision to join the franchise.
Reflecting on his time in the Harry Potter universe, Gleeson portrayed the formidable character in three films: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, between 2005 and 2010. His unique appearance, complete with a detachable eye, did not have a significant impact on his day-to-day life, as he shared with The Guardian in a 2011 interview.
During this conversation, he remarked that few fans recognise him without the iconic eye. “As unconventional as my looks are, they’re not quite as unconventional as Mad-Eye Moody’s, so I’ve kind of gotten away with murder,” he noted. He recalled Robbie Coltrane’s advice that he should give up on walking through airports unnoticed, particularly when children see him as a stranger rather than a character from the franchise. His anecdote conveyed the comical disconnect often seen between characters and their actors.
Gleeson is not the only one associated with the Harry Potter series in the spotlight; a new television adaptation is also in the works. Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans in April 2023 to adapt the Harry Potter books into a series, with each season focusing on a different book, thereby mirroring the previous film adaptations. This move has heighted interest and speculation surrounding casting choices.
Though the character of Mad-Eye Moody arrives later in the story, no one has yet been cast in the role for the new show. The series is set to premiere on HBO in the United States, with an anticipated release in early 2027. Alongside Gleeson’s cherished character, familiar faces will be introduced, such as Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. Other notable actors include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape, further establishing a robust cast for the upcoming series.
As fans of the franchise await the new series, Gleeson’s words resonate with the spirit of the Harry Potter universe, showcasing a commitment to creativity and individual expression in the performances of beloved characters. As the legacy of these stories continues, new interpretations of iconic roles like Mad-Eye Moody will undoubtedly emerge, each with its own flair and originality.
Spider-Noir, featuring Gleeson in a new role, is set to debut on MGM+’s linear channel, with the entire series concurrently available on Prime Video, opening yet another chapter in the actor’s illustrious career.