Brendan Gleeson Shares Thoughts on Mad-Eye Moody Role in ‘Harry Potter’ and Advice for Successor

Brendan Gleeson has expressed his views on the future of the Harry Potter franchise’s Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, delivering a straightforward message for whoever takes on the role next.

Gleeson portrayed Mad-Eye Moody in three films from 2005 to 2010, becoming a standout character in the wizarding universe. With a new Harry Potter TV series in the works at HBO, the role is set to be recast for a new audience.

When asked if he had any advice for the next actor stepping into the character’s shoes, Gleeson kept it simple. He stated: “Absolutely not.” He followed up with a brief message for his successor: “Enjoy yourself, do your own thing,” as he told PEOPLE.

The actor made it clear that he believes the role should be reinterpreted rather than imitated, encouraging a fresh take on the character. His comments reflect a relaxed attitude towards the legacy of Mad-Eye Moody, promoting creative freedom over strict comparisons.

Gleeson initially accepted the role of Mad-Eye Moody after his sons expressed excitement about him joining the Harry Potter films. He has mentioned that their enthusiasm played a significant role in his decision, making it a personal choice as well as a professional one.

He appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, and Deathly Hallows: Part 1, leaving a lasting impression as the gruff and seasoned Auror.

Reflecting on earlier interviews, Gleeson has noted that the role didn’t significantly impact his everyday life. In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, he humorously remarked that his character’s unique appearance helped him remain unrecognized in public. He said:

“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 also recalled advice from fellow actor Robbie Coltrane about fame, although Gleeson found the experience to be less overwhelming than anticipated. He described instances where children sometimes had difficulty distinguishing him from the character, leading to amusing yet awkward moments.

The upcoming Harry Potter television series was first announced in 2023 and aims to adapt each book into a complete season. The series is expected to premiere in 2027 on HBO. While casting for major characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron has already been revealed, Mad-Eye Moody has yet to be cast, as the character appears later in the storyline.

As the franchise gears up for a new interpretation of the wizarding world, Gleeson’s remarks emphasize simplicity. For him, the role now belongs to the next actor, and the best approach is to embrace it freely and make it their own.

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