My Fancast For Remus Lupin - A Hot Take, I Know
Hot take: If we’re talking about who should play Remus Lupin in the new Harry Potter series, my vote is firmly on Luke Newberry.
Yes, I know, the fandom will keep pushing for the Marauders fancast Andrew Garfield (or some other famous guy in his 40s when Remus is supposed to be 34 in "Prisoner of Azkaban" and they're not going for very famous people at all), but hear me out:
Luke is now 34 — the actual age the actor who will play Remus should be, considering Paapa Essiedu (also 34) is Snape. Balance, people.
He’s got the look straight out of the books: skinny, light-brown hair, a “one good hex would finish him” fragility, but also that intense gaze and soft smile.
He’s already technically part of the Potter universe, and as a Lupin — he was Teddy (Remus and Tonks' son) in the last film, but his scene got cut. Paul Whitehouse had a cut scene as Sir Cadogan and is now Filch, so… precedent exists.
Oh and Mr. Newberry even liked my Tweet when I said he should play Remus (I don't even know how he found my Tweet!). So, clearly, the man isn’t opposed. 😉
He also worked with Tom Felton recently, which just feels… right. (I don't like Draco, but I adore Tom.)
Yes, I know, the Marauders fandom will probably lose their minds because he’s known for In the Flesh (playing a gentle, traumatized outsider with a complicated gay friendship/relationship). That’s fine. Let them hype him. Honestly? It might even help get him cast.
But here’s the thing:
Luke is perfect not because he fits some headcanon OC. He’s perfect because he can actually bring book Remus to life: a man who is dignified, kind, burdened by discrimination, and, yes, straight.
And when the show finally gives us the real Marauders (not the Tumblr softboys, but the flawed, sometimes arrogant, sometimes reckless young men Rowling actually wrote), well… let’s just say some people might be in for a surprise.
Give me Luke Newberry as Remus, the way he’s meant to be. Let the shippers have their fun edits. The story will speak for itself.
Honestly? If HBO/Max wants a book-accurate Lupin, Luke Newberry is the perfect mix of age, look, and vibe. And if we’re lucky, we’ll finally get to see the real Remus — not a watered-down, background extra version (David Thewlis is a genius and deserved so much better!), and definitely not a Marauders-fandom OC.
Come on, just look at him and tell me if he doesn't look the part.
