Albus Dumbledore is one of the most iconic characters in the Harry Potter franchise, but the Dumbledore actor changed part way through the movie series. Dumbledore was played by Michael Gambon in six movies and Jude Law in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them spin-offs, but was initially portrayed by Irish actor Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter films. When the role was initially being cast, actors Patrick McGoohan and Sean Connery were targeted for the part. Harris was eventually chosen as Dumbledore and was expected to play the part throughout the entire film franchise.
