Kevin McKidd, known for his role in Grey’s Anatomy, has responded to speculation about his potential casting as Arthur Weasley in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The rumors began when fans noticed that Gracie Cochrane, who is set to play Ginny Weasley in the adaptation, started following McKidd on Instagram.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, McKidd, 52, who recently left the medical drama after 18 years as Dr. Owen Hunt, gave a coy response to the online chatter. “I saw something about this,” he said. “And listen, I would never say never. I’m a massive Harry Potter fan.”
McKidd revealed that years ago, when he was starring in the short-lived sci-fi series Journeymen, Harry Potter director David Yates sent him a letter offering him a role in the final two films: Deathly Hallows — Part 1 and Part 2. At the time, however, he was under contract and unable to take on any other projects while waiting to hear if Journeymen would be picked up for a second season. Ultimately, the show was not renewed.
“So I missed out on that chance of being in the final two Harry Potter films back in the day, which still makes me sad,” McKidd admitted. He added that the idea of getting another chance at the role, since he was already offered one, gets him very excited.
He recalled being offered the role of “some kind of werewolf character.” In the final three films of the beloved wizarding franchise, Dave Legeno plays Fenrir Greyback, the evil, human-form werewolf Death Eater enforcer.
“So listen, if those rumors can turn into something real, I would be very happy about that,” he said.
While HBO’s Harry Potter series has revealed a majority of its main cast, including most of the Weasley clan, the casting for the family patriarch has yet to be announced. Arthur does not appear until the second book, and since the show intends to adapt each of J. K. Rowling’s seven books over the course of a season, it’s likely the casting will be unveiled in due time. British actor Katherine Parkinson has been cast to play Arthur’s wife, Molly Weasley.
The series, which is scheduled to debut this Christmas, has already been renewed for a second season, with HBO confirming that filming for season two will begin this fall. This week, McKidd officially bid an emotional farewell to Grey’s Anatomy in the season 22 finale.
“Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, creatively and personally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years,” the actor said in an earlier statement. “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have both shaped me enormously, and I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m particularly thankful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen, and for the encouragement she gave me as I stepped into directing.”
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