Richard Harris or Michael Gambon?
 

In the first two films we got Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and since his sad passing, we got Michael Gambon from film 3 till the end. I always pictured Richard Harris as Dumbledore. He was perfection for me. What about you? Who did you like more in the role?

I liked both. I feel that Richard was the perfect embodiment of the protective grandfatherly Dumbledore that we saw him at in the beginning. While Michael, and the changes made to the character, represent how we learn new things about Dumbledore and how our opinion may change on the man in the growing darkness.

I 100% agree and honestly I prefer Michael a little more because of this. Richard's Dumbledore was almost too perfect, but in a way Harry sort of views him as such until the last book, so it fits. Michael is more realistic of how Dumbledore ACTUALLY was and I think knowing that Harry is sort of an unreliable narrator, it's made me appreciate his portrayal of him more.

I concur with others on how the late Richard Harris was the perfect image of Dumbledore from head to toe. Even his aura matched that of one who was wise, majestic, and warm. Prior to watching the movies, my image of Dumbledore closely resembled him when reading the books.

Michael Gambon I know is memed out from the Goblet of Fire situation, but his energetic presence also displayed the power that Dumbledore is described to have embodied. The one wizard who Voldemort feared. But overall, I go back to Richard as my favorite depiction of Dumbledore.

I love them both though I prefer Michael Gambon. I guess it's that energy that Joel's alluded to, that's stuck with me. If we're to look at Dumbledore's character from the books, he's this soft person when danger isn't around, but he's so fierce when there's a threat. For me, I prefer the latter and this is why I prefer Gambon.

No offense to Michael Gambon but he was a terrible dumbledore. he was so unfeeling, and cold to me. the only reason we feel anything for Albus after all he’s done in the series is because we see how gentle, courageous, and warm he can be with those he loves. His relationship with Harry is very much a father and son dynamic at times, with Dumbledore loving harry but knowing that he cannot protect him and that he must prepare him for the ultimate sacrifice. Gambon does not protray this well, and while i think he’s probably a fine actor, i don’t think he understood Dumbledore.

Also. the real test for me is the scene in Kings Cross when Harry is seeing Dumbledore after killing the horcrux within himself. at this point we, and harry, are especially frustrated with Albus for all his secrets and omissions, we don’t know what to believe of the man we thought we knew so well. Harry is lost, and tired and beyond grieved by all that has happened and Albus doesn’t just offer a comforting presence but seeks Harry’s forgiveness. reminding us, and harry, that he was a lonely man who was trying his very best. a man with the world on his shoulders and a heart too full of loss.

Gambon turns this scene into a tense, awkward tete-a-tete. even the line at the end of the chapter: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” which is meant to be comforting sounds suddenly like a joke at Harry’s expense, and not the wise words of an old friend trying to give you hope.

anyway, sorry for the essay but my greatest regret for the films is that Richard Harris was not able to see the role through. RIP Harris, you are missed.

I do think each brought something great to the role, with a slight nod to Harris for having such an imposing presence for the first time Harry meets him.

I'd give anything to see Ian McKellen's Dumbledore.

As a fan of Sir Ian's work as an actor, the diverse roles which portrayed so wonderfully, I too would love to see him as Dumbledore. I'm was disappointed when I learnt he had turned down the role after Richard Harris' death.

Both embodied a valid version of the character (despite the fact that Harris only accepted the role because his granddaughter threatened to never speak to him again if he didn't).

Richard Harris was the first impression nurturing grandfather figure that drew the attachment and trust of an affection starved orphaned child and while to be honest, there was a bit too much harshness to some of Michael Gambon's deliveries he still gave us an authentic edge that came with the progressive shading of Dumbledore's character.

Granted I don't know either outside of HP, Harris was perfect at that first impression but I'm not sure he could have carried the role to the man who was aware the entire time that Harry had to die with that jaggedness that Gambon did. Gambon also embodied Dumbledore's whimsical side a bit better.

McKellen turned down the role because of his commitment to the role of Gandolf in LOTR, he didn't want to be in rivaling roles and had some bad blood with Harris who had once called him "a dreadful actor" but sure I could see him as having been a good Dumbledore.

I think at the time he was playing a lot of sort of similar roles, so having him do all of this may have been asking too much. However, there is a chance to have him make a go of it with the new series.