The White Lotus press tour has given Jason Isaacs a lot of opportunities to share his random opinions. “I’m just yakking on for too long,” he told Variety about his recent interviews. “I know they want a short answer, and I suddenly find myself talking, trapped in a web of my own making.” So far, he’s yapped about his prosthetic penis and his colleague’s vulva. Now, he’s speaking about the casting for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Okay… I’m listening.
When asked who should reprise his role as Lucius Malfoy, Isaacs actually had a pretty solid idea. The Death Eater and father of Draco should be played by none other than the G.O.A.T. — Meryl Streep, of course. “She can do anything, that woman,” he said. “There’s literally no limit to what she can do.” Correct take. We already know Streep plays the villain well thanks to her role as Anna Wintour–inspired Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. How much harder would it be for her to portray an evil British wizard, really?
When it comes to what advice he’d have for whoever steps into the role — Streep or not — Isaacs said he wouldn’t have any. “Why would I bother?” he said. “I know some of the people they’re casting already. They’re brilliant actors. It’s going to be fantastic, and the last thing they need is advice from some old fart like me.” Another valid point.
Honestly, casting Streep as Lucius Malfoy might be his best idea yet. Let’s get her alleged boyfriend, Martin Short, in on the action while we’re at it. He can play Peter Pettigrew? Or Dobby? Whatever it is, I’m sure Isaacs could put in a good word.
