Jason Isaacs has built a career playing complex, commanding characters, from the sinister Colonel Tavington in “The Patriot” to Captain Lorca in “Star Trek: Discovery.” But for “Harry Potter” fans, he’ll always be Lucius Malfoy: the arrogant, silver-tongued Death Eater with a killer cane and a whole lot of unresolved fear. Isaacs has a knack for making villains more than just one-note bad guys, which is exactly why his take on Lucius remains so iconic.
Creating a Compelling Lucius Malfoy
With HBO’s Harry Potter reboot on the horizon, the big question is: who’s stepping into Lucius Malfoy’s polished, snake-like shoes? Whoever it is, Isaacs has some advice. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight recently, he encouraged the next actor to lean into the character’s theatricality.
“Enjoy it. It’s the most delicious part. Chew up the scenery, whatever you can,” Isaacs said, making it clear that Lucius isn’t a role to play small. He also suggested they “linger on. Make it a 5 act opera out of every sentence.” In other words, don’t just play Lucius Malfoy; own the room and the role.
Isaacs’ version of Lucius was a masterclass in controlled arrogance… always posturing, always scheming, but ultimately just a man terrified of losing power. That mix of bravado and insecurity is what made him so compelling, and it’s what the next actor will need to capture.
Who Could Play Lucius Malfoy?
Naturally, fans already have theories about who should take on the role. The next Lucius needs to be someone who can pull off both the icy elegance and the barely concealed desperation that makes the character so fascinating.
The most iconic of these theories comes from one of the films’ actors themselves. Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in the movies, has expressed an interest in playing his on-screen father in the reboot. “My hope is that when they do it I’ll be old enough to play Lucius!,” said Felton in an interview with Daily Mail. “I would do it in a heartbeat.”
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (“Game of Thrones”) has also been a popular pick, and for good reason; he’s got the charisma, the commanding presence, and the ability to play morally murky characters. Richard E. Grant could also be a strong choice, bringing his signature sharp wit and aristocratic air to the role.
Another interesting contender? Tobias Menzies (“The Crown” and “Outlander”), who knows how to play cold, calculating men with layers of vulnerability, and has also been cast by fans.
No matter who takes up the Malfoy mantle, they’ve got some big shoes (and even bigger hair) to fill. But if they take Isaacs’ advice and fully commit to the drama, they might just make the role their own.
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