Shortly before making his debut on Grey's Anatomy in 2008, there was a world where Kevin McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt, could have appeared in Parts 1 and 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the two-part cinematic adaptation of the seventh and final Harry Potter book.
But almost two decades later, there is still a chance he appears in the on-screen Harry Potter universe in some capacity.
In a recent piece by Entertainment Weekly, McKidd detailed fan speculation regarding the upcoming HBO remake of the film series, which is set to air later this year and was already picked up for a second season, and his reaction to any rumors circulating online.
One of the key details he brought up was his near-involvement in the ending of the cinematic adaptation. While waiting for the return of Journeyman, a one-season show that earned him a Saturn Award nomination in the Best Actor on Television category, he was contacted by director David Yates, who likely wanted to offer him the role of werewolf Fenrir Greyback.
For context, Yates directed the final four film adaptations of author J.K. Rowling's book series: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and both installments of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Despite his interest in the role, he could not commit as Journeyman, which ultimately was cancelled after one season on air, was still in limbo at the time.
Given that HBO is planning to allocate each season of their adaptation one of the seven books, it's more than likely that Season 2 will focus on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book of the series.
With that in mind, rumors have been circulating that McKidd will be appearing as Arthur Weasley, the father of one of Harry's two best friends in the books: Ron Weasley. The Weasley father did not appear in the original adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and was merely mentioned in the book. As such, one could infer that, if cast, McKidd would enter HBO's Wizarding World during the second season.
On that, he said to Entertainment Weekly that "I would never say never. I'm a massive Harry Potter fan." He also added that he was "very excited" to potentially get another opportunity to help reimagine the world Rowling built in her novels.
Since HBO's plans of remaking Harry Potter were announced, several high-profile actors and actresses found themselves at the center of speculation surrounding the reimagining.
Not only has Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy been rumored to play Lord Voldemort, the Harry Potter series' main antagonist, but recent speculation has surrounded Adolescence star Owen Cooper and his involvement in the show. The fact that a majority of the show's cast now follows Cooper on social media serves as a sign of his involvement, though nothing has officially been confirmed by HBO.
The first season of HBO's Harry Potter remake is set to air on Christmas Day on HBO and HBO Max.
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