Brendan Gleeson Gets Honest About Mad-Eye Moody Role in ‘Harry Potter’ and Shares “Advice” for His Successor

Brendan Gleeson has shared his thoughts on the future of the Harry Potter franchise’s Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, offering a very simple message for whoever steps into the role next.

Gleeson originally played Mad-Eye Moody in three films between 2005 and 2010, becoming one of the more memorable figures in the wizarding world. Now, with a new Harry Potter TV series in development at HBO, the role is expected to be recast for a new generation.

When asked if he had any advice for the next actor taking on the character, Gleeson didn’t overthink it. He said: “Absolutely not.” He then added a short message for his successor: “Enjoy yourself, do your own thing,” he told PEOPLE.

The actor made it clear that he believes the role should not be copied or imitated, but instead reinterpreted by whoever plays it next. His comments reflect a relaxed attitude toward the character’s legacy, encouraging creative freedom rather than strict comparison.

Gleeson first took on the role of Mad-Eye Moody after his sons reacted with excitement at the idea of him joining the Harry Potter films. He has previously said that their reaction helped convince him to accept the part, making it a personal decision as much 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 strong impression as the gruff and battle-worn Auror.

Looking back in earlier interviews, Gleeson has also spoken about how the role didn’t heavily affect his day-to-day life. In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, he joked about how the character’s appearance helped him stay unrecognised 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 how fellow actor Robbie Coltrane warned him about fame, though Gleeson said the experience was less intense than expected. He described situations where children sometimes struggled to separate him from the character, leading to awkward but funny encounters.

The upcoming Harry Potter television series was first announced in 2023 and is set to adapt each book into a full season. The series is expected to debut in 2027 on HBO. While casting for major characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron has already been announced, Mad-Eye Moody has not yet been cast, as the character appears later in the storyline.

As the franchise prepares for a new version of the wizarding world, Gleeson’s comments keep things simple. For him, the role belongs to the next actor now, and the best approach is to step into it freely and make it their own.

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