Exciting Harry Potter nights are returning to free television this winter, allowing fans to enjoy the beloved film series once again. Gary Oldman reflects on his role as Sirius Black, expressing some dissatisfaction with his performance in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,’ citing a lack of knowledge about the character’s development. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the character’s evolution for a more nuanced portrayal. The films are also available for streaming on various platforms.
Exciting Harry Potter Nights Coming This Winter
As the winter season approaches, fans of the wizarding world can rejoice in the return of Harry Potter nights on free television. Just in time for the festive season, the beloved film series will be gracing screens once again! Below, you’ll find all the essential broadcast dates to relive the enchanting saga of Harry Potter from start to finish. Additionally, streaming enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Harry Potter films are available for viewing with a subscription!
Gary Oldman Reflects on His Role as Sirius Black
Gary Oldman is widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation. This British Oscar winner, who earned acclaim for his performance in ‘Darkest Hour’, has been part of numerous iconic films. Among his notable roles is Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series, a character that resonates with many fans.
Oldman first brought Sirius Black to life in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’. Interestingly, he has expressed some dissatisfaction with his performance upon reflection. This sentiment is particularly surprising given that this film boasts an impressive IMDb rating of 7.9, making it one of the most acclaimed entries in the series.
In late 2023, during an episode of the Happy Sad Confused Podcast, Oldman candidly described his portrayal in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ as mediocre. He mentioned, ‘If I had read the books like Alan [Rickman; Snape], if I had known what was coming, I might have played the role differently, to be honest.’
At the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, Oldman further delved into his remarks about his role in the Harry Potter saga while promoting his film ‘Parthenope’. He shared, ‘As an artist, you tend to be overly critical of your work. If you find yourself satisfied with your performance, that would be a sad day for me.’
Oldman elaborated on the significance of the character’s development, noting, ‘The novels were so shrouded in mystery. If I had known more from the start, I might have approached it differently.’ He emphasized that his initial understanding was limited to ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban’, which affected his portrayal of Sirius Black.
Throughout the series, Oldman reprises his role as Sirius Black in the fourth, fifth, and eighth films. In ‘The Order of the Phoenix’, Sirius meets a tragic fate, but his relationship with Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) deepens significantly before his demise. Oldman’s reflections suggest that a deeper understanding of Sirius’ evolution might have led to a more nuanced portrayal in the earlier film.
Currently, fans can catch the Harry Potter films airing weekly on free TV via Sat.1. Check out the broadcast schedule for the complete series! Plus, for those who prefer streaming, the films are available on RTL+ and Amazon Prime Video with a subscription.