The Yak Shack Forum

According to the fansite GaryOldman.info, they were contacted by Oldman's manager and told that there are no plans to include Oldman in OOTP.  Per his manager:

You will be shocked and surprised to learn that at this time there are no plans for Gary to appear in the next Harry Potter film. To say we are puzzled on this side about this is an understatement at the every least! You may feel free to post this info. If the situation changes, I will let you know.

It could well be a hoax, since it seems a bit unbelievable that the role of Sirius has not yet been cast for a movie that begins filming this week.

I'm putting my bets on that its a hoax... Sirius is one of the major characters in OotP!

I hope its a hoax, filming started today :o

Yes something very important happens to him in this one  :-\(although if you ask me it seemed forgotten by HBP ::))

Yeah, HBP was only a year later...and it did seem kind of forgooten.  I guess JK didn't want to dwell on the past.

This better not be true.  Maybe they just mean that it will be played by someone else ???  But Gary Oldman wants money, so it makes no sense for him not to sign.  I mean, he stuck his head in a fire...why not do one where he has a much bigger part?

I don't think they are leaving out the character, but maybe the director wants a different actor or maybe there's a contract/salary dispute.  I couldn't find any info about this on the established HP sites (Leaky Cauldron, Veritaserum, and Mugglenet).  I'm sure they've heard about this and are trying to find out the truth.

I couldn't find any more that you did, Cindy!!
I really hope they don't eliminate Gary!! I can't imagine anyone else!! :-\

The Leaky Cauldron is reporting that this is most likely wild rumor-mongering.

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:8334

MuggleNet said that MTV has had it confirmed.

"UPDATE: According to this article on MTV.com, Gary Oldman will return as Sirius. (Click 'Meet The Cast Of "Order Of The Phoenix"' and flip through to image seven.)"

Warner Bros. has confirmed with the Leaky Cauldron that both Gary Oldman and David Thewlis will reprise their roles in OOTP and will film their parts later in the summer. :)

WHEW!! That's a relief!!

Not exactly...

What a mess this has become.  Warner Bros. confirmed that Oldman would be in OOTP, but later admitted they don't have a signed contract.  Now the story has exploded, with UK newspaper saying he was axed from the film and his manager saying they have no choice but to pursue other employment opportunities. ::)

Call my cynical, but it sounds like a ploy to either get more money or speed up the process to get him signed. ::)

But they have to have a Sirius in this movie...evenj if it is not him...but it has to be him!!  They are filming now...you would think they would know who was going to be playing the part by now.

The role will be in the movie -- too much happens with the character and the plotline with Grimmauld Place that affects Harry in later books.  It's possible they'll cast someone else in the role.  Warner Bros. said that not every actor has been signed yet for the film, because they won't be needed until later this year.  I believe that the film's release date is in spring 2007.

This story is, indeed, crazy. The Leaky Cauldrons article (which can be found here (http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:8337)) has three updates to it. I didn't think this would be a problem since he was in two other Potter films (albeit shortly in GoF), but I'm not worried quite, yet.

In similar news, The Leaky Cauldron also has more casting announcements and people returning in this article (http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:8345). There's a whole load of people like Amelia Bones, Zacharias Smith, the Auror Dawlish, Malcolm, and a young Peter Pettigrew. It also notes that the Dursleys shall be returning.

Do we know if he will be in it yet?

We wont know till the summer, I think this has been mentioned but, scenes with Sirius wont start filming till this summer so I dont think they'll sign him on till then.

And I hear Trelawney might be recast too ???

Oldman's manager has said again that he hasn't been resigned and they'll have to look for other movies for him for this summer.  Again, I think it's all a ploy to get him signed sooner and for more money.

So give him more money!  I can not imagine anyone else playing this role now. It would be like Snape or McGonagal suddenly being played by someone else :(

I hope the all come back :o=

I'd really be disappointed if Emma Thompson didnt come back because she's is Professor Trelawney

According to MuggleNet:

Gary Oldman, who played the part of Sirius Black in the third and fourth Harry Potter movies, has not yet been asked by Warner Brothers to reprise the role of Harry's godfather in Order of the Phoenix. According to Douglas Urbanski of the Douglas Management Group (who represents Oldman), WB has had little desire since the beginning for the actor to return in OOTP, even though Oldman requests small payment. As a result, Urbanski has stated that unless WB offers him the role by next week, Oldman won't consider returning as Black.

I am sure there is more to this than either side is saying.  Either Gary does want an unrealistic fee or he was a nightmare on set.  He seems very eager to be in the next film and he did do the extras on the DVD of POA (unlike a lot of other cast members).  Warners must have a really huge reason for not wanting him in the next film - I don't think this is a publicity stunt, afterall they hardly need the exposure.

I have to say Gary was never my idea of what Sirius should be like but now he has played the part in two (well one really) films he is Sirius Black.  I still wish they had gone with Jason Carter but whatever the outcome I do think it will be a real shame if they change the actor for OotP.

WB could get away with casting another actor in the role.  Sirius' appearance changed drastically from the end of POA to the beginning of OOTP, and a new actor could be the "cleaned up" Sirius.  I also thought that Jason Carter would have been perfect for the role, but I love Gary Oldman, too.

People can also point to the cast change in the Dumbledore role.  I think that one was a bit easier to pull off due to the costumes and make-up.  Personally, I don't like the way Michael Gambon portrays Dumbledore -- he's too mean.

Do you know I thought that as well.  When he grabbed hold of Harry in GOF it was totally out of character.  Maybe by the time you get to Half Blood (won't say too much) it would have fitted but not as early as GOF.

At the end of the day if Gary doesn't do it they will have to re-cast and we will have to lump it but I think I accepted Dumbledore more because it was unavoidable.

Exactly!  That scene really bothered me.  Gambon's Dumbledore doesn't have any of the warmth that comes through in the books.  It will be interesting to see the interaction between Dumbledore and Harry near the end of OOTP.

I, for one, would be incredibly disappointed if WB and Gary Oldman are unable to come to terms on this one.  Gary Oldman IS Sirius Black now, and we can't change that image of Oldman as "The Prisoner of Azkaban".  Certainly Sirius does clean up a bit between POA and GoF, so I'm sure WB could use that as an excuse.  But if the opportunity is available to maintain continuity to such an important series, I just can't accept these sort of excuses.  If there is a problem between the two parties, I think the consumers deserve an explanation. 

As far as the Dumbledore casting goes, it goes without saying that both Richard Harris and Michael Gambon are actors of the highest caliber.  The transition between the two was most understandable considering the circumstances.

But I do agree that Gambon does not accurately portray Dumbledore.  In this case, we must place heavy blame on the Director as well, because it is his responsibility to guide the actors.  There were so many things wrong with DD's actions in this movie it did put a sour taste in my mouth.  Firstly - Why does DD cower and frightenlingly put his hands in front of his face on numerous occasions.  Two examples are when the Durmstrang students enter and blow flames and when the goblet of fire flares up for the fourth time.  Certainly, DD, should not be scared of these things....but why does he shy away?  The other scene that bothered me was immediately after Harry looks through the Pensieve.  Why does DD collapse into a seated hunch and have such a defeatist attitude?  He seems to whine and complain and basically act like he wants to give up the fight.  Just doesn't fit in at all with the character he should be portraying.

Sorry to go off on that rant, but perhaps this is a good example as to what can happen when such a pivotal actor is replaced.  No disrespect is ment for either Richard Harris or Michael Gambon in this case.  But now that Gary Oldman has been so blazenly burnt into our heads as Sirius, would it really be wise to let him go under any but the most extreme circumstances?

I agree, they should keep him.  But, remember back a year or two ago.  There were lots of rumors that Daniel, Emma, and Rupert might be replaced because they would eventually be too old for the roles (there are plenty of actors who in their 20s played teenagers, so I didn't see what the problem could be with HP).  If WB could replace those three, the studio could replace anyone. :-\

Before anybody really gets PO'd about the news, this came straight from his agent because, along with other fans, MuggleNet has really been eager to know if he return as well. Their currently trying to get a comment from WB about this.

Gary Oldman returns for 'OotP', Sirius-ly 
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA

After weeks of uncertainty and conflicting press reports, Gary Oldman is set to reprise his role as Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, his management company confirmed today.

Fan site GaryOldman.info posted the news earlier, and in a short interview Oldman's long-time manager Doug Urbanski confirmed it to HPANA, and elaborated on the prolonged ordeal.

"I'm so relieved and happy," said Urbanski. "I can't put my mind in the place of the producers, but I would've thought that when they read the book, a call to us would've been very high on their list. Obviously, the character of Sirius Black is key."

Urbanski said he was baffled by the months-long silence from Warner Bros. There were other jobs on offer to Oldman, and he was very close to taking one.

"Since they had no option for Gary on this film, he was a free agent. Last week, we told them that Gary had another movie, and it was just a question of doing a deal," he said.

Of the negotiations this morning with producer David Heyman, Urbanski said: "It was the most mature, simple and friendly negotiation that I've ever done."

"It's a wonderful role. Gary read the script last night, and he read part of it to me on the phone this morning. The end of the story is: Gary's in it. It's a terrific script, and he's so happy to be back."

Oldman also turned 48 today.

Warner Bros. didnt like all the bad news being posted about them not picking Gary to be Sirius so they cracked :rofl:

What a relief! Great great news.  Now just as long as the Sirius scenes extend beyond a 'face in the fire' I'll be happy.