Fiona Shaw, best known for playing the ever-disapproving Aunt Petunia in the Harry Potter films, has waved her metaphorical casting wand over the upcoming HBO remake, and the results are chef’s kiss perfection.

While chatting with The Movie Dweeb during her press tour for IF, I asked Fiona who, from the cast of the film, could find themselves whisked away to Hogwarts in the upcoming reboot. And, well, she didn’t hold back.

“I suppose Ryan [Reynolds] would have to play Professor Snape, wouldn’t he?” she mused, proving she has a deep understanding of comedy gold. Just imagine a wisecracking, sarcastic Snape, complete with fourth-wall-breaking moments.

And because Fiona is a legend, she didn’t stop there. She put herself forward as Professor McGonagall (which, honestly, I fully support). But the real curveball? IF director and all-around Hollywood nice guy, John Krasinski, as Dobby the House Elf. “John is a very tall Dobby,” Fiona joked. And now, I will never unsee it. Somebody, somewhere, needs to make this happen.

Fiona also heaped praise on her IF co-star, Cailey Fleming, suggesting that the talented young actress could take on Hermione Granger. But in a moment of self-awareness, Cailey laughed and said, “I’m very flattered, but I could never be Hermione.” A respectful queen.

What Is IF About?

If you’re wondering why Fiona, Ryan, and John were even in the same conversation, let’s talk about IF, the upcoming fantasy film directed by John Krasinski. The movie follows a young girl, played by Cailey Fleming (The Walking Dead, Star Wars: The Force Awakens), who discovers she has the ability to see people’s imaginary friends. What follows is a whimsical adventure as she reconnects with these forgotten childhood companions, voiced by a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and more.

With Krasinski at the helm (who, let’s not forget, gave us the A Quiet Place franchise), IF is set to be a heartwarming, nostalgia-packed ride with plenty of humor and heartfelt moments. If Fiona Shaw says it’s good, I believe her.

The HBO Harry Potter Reboot – Everything We Know

As Potterheads are well aware, HBO is waving its own magic wand and bringing a full-fledged Harry Potter TV series to life. The remake promises a faithful, decade-spanning adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, meaning we’ll get to see the Wizarding World reimagined with an all-new cast. While no official casting announcements have been made, fans (and Fiona Shaw, apparently) have taken it upon themselves to start some truly inspired dream casting.

With the series aiming to give each book a dedicated season, this could be the most detailed and expansive version of Harry Potter yet. Will it live up to the magic of the original films? Only time – and possibly Ryan Reynolds’ silky Snape wig – will tell.

Daniel Radcliffe’s Dream Role in the Reboot

Of course, all this talk of recasting Harry Potter wouldn’t be complete without checking in with the Boy Who Lived himself. When The Movie Dweeb previously spoke with Daniel Radcliffe, the actor shared his own idea for who he’d play if he were to return to the Wizarding World. And let’s just say, it’s a stroke of genius.

“Sirius Black,” he said, choosing to take on the role of Harry’s beloved godfather, originally portrayed by the legendary Gary Oldman. And honestly? I’d love to see it. Imagine Radcliffe, older and a little rougher around the edges, slipping into the role of the rebellious, misunderstood Black family outcast. The full-circle moment would be chef’s kissperfection.

The Verdict: Fiona Shaw Knows What’s Up

While I don’t have control over HBO’s casting (yet), Fiona Shaw’s picks for a Harry Potter reboot have certainly given me something to think about – and laugh at. Ryan Reynolds’ snarky Snape? Krasinski’s towering Dobby? It’s the Harry Potter multiverse we never knew we needed.

What do you think of Fiona’s dream casting? And more importantly, would Daniel Radcliffe make the ultimate Sirius Black? Let me know!

And if you’re craving more movie magic, IF is released 17 May 2024, with advance screenings on 11 & 12 May.