Even before Richard Harris passed away I thought he was a poor choice for Dumbledore. He was too frail, meek, and quiet. Michael Gambon shows the inner strength & vitality of Dumbledore. Now they just need to add some whimsy fun to the character (after all, book Dumbledore wears silly hats, using candy names as his office passwords, etc.)...although we're a bit too late for that for the upcoming movies.

New Dumbledore looks less scary!

Oh, I much preferred Richard Harris BECAUSE he has the sensitive vulnerability. No offence to Michael Gambon, I love him in other stuff, but any halfway decent actor can play angry and intense, but from what I read in the books, I imagined Dumbledore as whimsicial and calm under pressure, getting angry ONLY when necessary (only really the end of Goblet of Fire so far in the films, I'd have thought). Richard Harris played the part of surrogate grandfather-we'd-all-love-to-have-as-a-tea­che­r very well, and as a stunning actor I'm sure he would've done the intense parts just as much justice. RIP.

Oh, and what was with Dumbledore yelling at and shaking Harry in Goblet of Fire? He trusts Harry implicitly.

Crap, I'm a Potter-geek :P

Wow! SKQ62, I was totally going to type a rant about Michael Gambon being this harsh and rude Dumbledore, but I guess you beat me to the punch!
I totally agree about the Goblet scene, it still does not still well with me.

I have to say I think they were way off in the way the represent Dumbledore in the films, that was what was most disappointing to me! The character in the film is not nearly true enough to the book, which always makes me mad cos even though the films are good, they will never beat the books!!

I think maybe Old Dumbledore represents better the idea JKR had for Dumbledore, and new dumbledore does things and acts very... undumbledorish in GoF. I mean, probably that's not the actor's fault, but still. He shouldn't have pushed Harry like that when they saw his name in the paper that came out of the goblet. Real Dumbledore would never do that.

SKQ62, Potter-Geeks All The WAY! :D

I like Michael Gambon just fine, but Richard Harris definitely portrayed Dumbledore the way JKR wrote him, much better than Gambon.
He was fine for me until the GoF scene. Dumbledore would never do that, what the writers were thinking when they wrote that I will never know.

Its a shame about Richard Harris, he was absolutely perfect for Dumbledore. Quiet and calm but with inner strength. Michael Gambon doesn't play Dumbledore as he was written, he's not that intense in the books.

WELL I THINK NEZ¿W DUMBLEDORE ITS BETTER BECAUSE ITS MORE MODERN

I don't really think either of them are good. Where's Dumbledore's sense of humour?? That's why I loved him! He was so jolly lol. I think Richard Harris was to frail thought, Dumbledore is old but you never really think he has that husky voice or anything. I think Ian McKellen would be better lol but Gandalf and Dumbledore are too similar I suppose.

I don't like Michael Gambon, I feel he's too mean, he needs to be happier and funnier. But Richard Harris needed the boldness

Ian McKellen would have been perfect! But i suppose snoznoodle is right about the Gandalf thing :( Dumbledore was always the most disappointing thing about the films for me, he's so funny in the books but not in the films

Actually McKellen was approached to be Gandalf but he turned it down for that very reason [Gandalf & Dumbledore being too similar]. While I would have enjoyed that casting, seeing McKellen as Dumbledore, Gandalf, AND Magneto would have made those three literary legends too similar in too many people's mind.

There's lots of things to consider. I think Richard Harris captured Dumbledore perfectly, but on the other hand i can't imagine him doing the fighting scenes in the Ministry against Voldemort in the fifth movie...but Gambon shows more of Dumbledore's quirky side in the movies...I hated him in the fourth movie though. What was with practically STRANGLING Harry?

the white beard and hair seems to me like god? I do'nt know why, but it just does

Richard Harris played Dumbledore perfectly, just like the book which is why he's my favourite. However, i really like Gambon's portrayal even if its not really Dumbledore so... i guess i dunno!

I loved the old dumbledore, he was just like the book said he was. Dumbledore really didn't get angry until later in the series, so we couldn't tell if Harris would work well in those situations because they never came while he was alive (RIP). Personally, the new dumbledore along with who they cast for sirius and lupin has totally ruined the books in the movies. I will not be watching the fith movie or any others. I think when they show sirius' face in the picture at the beguinning of the chapter in the fith book where his head is in the fire is perfect for him. I understand that there isn't someone that is going to look just like that with good acting skills, but still. And with Lupin, I always pictured someone who looked just like denny from greys anatomy. I just think they shouldn't have made movies out of the HP books. They knew there was no way they could fit everything in a two and a half hour movie, and everything fitting together is what make them so good.

I HAD NO IDEA THERE WERE 2.

I didn't like the first one when he was Dumbledore, but now it's like "you don't know what you've got until it's gone" thing. The new dumbledore doesn't play him right at all! he's too quick and there's no "twinkle" in his eye. And he got mad at Harry in the fourth one! Dumbledore has NEVER lost his temper at Harry in the books.

The old Dumbledore doesn't come as alive on film as the new Dumbledore does.

I loved the old Dumbledore!!(RIP) The new dumbledore doesn't have that softness to him, he runs around like he's 30, the books always say he never looks angry or anything, the old dumbledore hit that, but he could also prove his points without getting up and running anywhere..I think he was the better choice and it was just too bad that he passed away..the new one isn't bad, he just shouldn't be acting like he's really really young..and he should get a longer beared, and maybe not so grey haha.

Richard Harris had more pleasantry to him. Michael Gambon just doesn't cut it.

Haha I thought it was the same dumbeldore in every movies xD

I like the new one

The old Dumbledore was soft and gentle with students.

Dumbledore was very kind and not wordy and I think Richard Harris was almost exactly how I pictured him. Micheal Gambon is odd, he almost makes Dumbledore seem... immature.

He just looks more kind.

You guys just assume that Richard Harris wouldn't be able to pull it off. You never got to see him. I say don't assume, especially with someone who died.

New Dumbledore!

i miss the old dumbledore. he was so lovely. i'm a bit confused by anti_jate though, there aren't any pictures in the books.

I think anti_jate is talking about the pictures above the chapter titles, which are in the american version of the books, SpecialK321. :)

Yeah in the American versions there is chapter art for each chapter.

Richard Harris (God rest his soul) was a fine actor, but a poor choice for Dumbledore. I think Michael Gambon really captures the essence of the character as JKR meant him. Old and wise, but strong and caring, too. Dumbledore needs that twinkle in his eye, and I think Michael Gambon does that better than Harris did, to be honest.

old dumbleore waz brill R.I.P richard harris

I think Richard Harris did a brilliant job, very wise. He definitely wasn't a poor choice for Dumbledore no offense. I feel he did the character well. RIP

Richard Harris is how i imagined Dumbledore and he had that twinkle in his eye. And he had the elagance and softness Dumbledore has, but could raise his voice the way he needed to when neccessary and had a very cool air about him. Although I do agree with some of the points that he might not have been able to do the scene against Voldemort in the Order of the Phoenix.

But Richard Gambon - he just isn't how Dumbledore is supposed to be or how I see him. His voice is no where near how I imagined Dumbledore's voice is, and his appearance just isn't right. Richard Harris looked very majestic and God-like, especially in the Chamber of Secrets, I dont like the way he tells Hermoine about the Time Turner in Askhaban and he doesn't distribute the softness Dumbledore has in the book. But his real downfall was Goblet of Fire: the bits where he burst in on Moody and asked him about Voldemort...he just didn't have enough of that air of power around him; he was tugging Harry about for most of the Book and making too quick movements and...oh he's just poo!

Then again Mike Newell did a really crap job of the Scene where Dumbledore steps in on Moody & Harry. Dumbeldore didn't have that important twinkle in his eye when Harry mentions Voldemort used his blood to come back. I dont even think that was in it. What about the fate of Barty Crouch Junior? Snape's Veritaserum? Quidditch World Cup Game? Sorry but there are so many things I didn't like about GoF Movie, only good thing was Hermoine in that dress and her arguement with Ron about Vicky Krum.

Does no one else remember how violent the new dumbledore was in the fourth film? Dumbledore was calm and wise and had a good sense of humour. This new dumbledore needs to learn anger management, he seems stupid and violent and not particularly kind to anyone either.

dumbledore is supposed 2 be hyper and happy and strong and not old, weak, and scratchy-voiced. the old guy wuz good (RIP) but the new guy is better. when i saw the third movie, after i walked out of the theater, i was like,"............uh,................­...­..W­OW.­&qu­ot; it was like dumbledore just got cured of a cold that lasted 2 years. the first 2 movies sucked. they were boring, had bad acting, didn't follow the books, and harry was a coconut head. what was daniel radcliffe's mom thinking when she got him that do? seriously. why does everyone hate the new one? is everyone choosing the old guy cuz he's dead? i don't mean 2 be disrespectful, but the new guy is WAY better. w/ the new guy, it seems like everyone likes acting with him better than the other guy.the old guy was kind of... REALLY scary. the new one seems like a nice, friendly, caring guy. the old guy, he looked like he was gonna die at any moment or like, cough 4 3 hours or like, grab onto harry's shoulder 4 support.

:S theres never been two has there? im sure its been the new one from the beggining.

It's gotta be Richard Harris all the way for me. He had a gentle demeanor and a lovely sense of humour, but he could DEFINITELY command the attention of anyone (Philisophers's Stone movie - "SILENCE!") Michael Gambon is nothing like the Dumbledore I always pictured. What is with the grey beard and almost American accent?

And the scene where he's practically throttling Harry, what was all that about? Dumbledore has always been calm and I don't recall him ever getting angry with Harry in the books.

Richard Harris was better. he had a better sounding voice for Dumbledore wich didn't suddenly turn Irish sometimes. and he acted more like I imagined Dombledore to be like. but Micheal Gambon is still an really brilliant actor

Michael Gambon doesn't play Dumbledore like he is in the books and that bothers me a great deal in the movie, I liked Richard Harris' acting better

Richard Harris(RIP) was the best, he was a better actor, looked how I thought Dumbledore should and ilovehinder he used to play rugby and raquetball so I don't think he'd be coughing for 3hours or grab onto harry's shoulder for support.

I always thought that Ian McKellen would have been best. But I think Gandalf was a better decision for him. Anyways, I like Michael Gambon better as Dumbledore. Richard Harris seemed too old and frail. I don't wanna think what Half-Blood Prince would be like if he were still alive (RIP). I never really pictured Dumbledore the way he was portrayed by Haris anyways.

The Dumbledore that JKR created would never act like the one Michael Gambon portrayed. Dumbledore was kind, loving, and a little quirky, but with a great deal of power hidden inside him that he didn't have to try to show off. That was the Dumbledore that Richard Harris protrayed so well. The movies lost so much when he died.

The old dumbeldore was more complex and more dreamy like luna.

i perfer michel gambon because hes funnyer

I agree with BESilverLion- the Old Dumbledore was everything I imagined.

Wow, I can't tell the difference between them.

But Ian McKellen would've been best.

Old Dumbledore all the wayyyy. ^O^ rest in peace

Poor Michael Gambon! Personally I don't see why Richard Harris's Dumbledore was so popular. I like Gambon's much better. And I agree with racelward92--he is funnier.

may he rest in peace. he was the perfect Dumbledore; Kind, powerful, aweful and with that twinkle in his eye that lets Harry Know everything will be okey.

New Dumbledore for me. *grin*

you said it all SKQ62

seriously in my opinion Richard Harris was the perfect dumbledore quiet and laid back michael gambon is ok but he seems a little mean towards harry sometimes

I think the new dumbledore is a better choice.. *agreement above with cressida*

SKQ62 is completely right. Dumbledore is ment to be calm and funny but in a weird way-NOT a hyper way.

I don't really know, but I picked Gambon because he seems more gay. If you know what I mean.

yeh the old dumbledore RULED, the new one doesnt even wear the half moon spectacles some times, whats that about and the shouting at harry in GoB! yeh micheal doesnt even crack jokes, guess theres not enough time to fit that in.
don't even get me started on whats different in the films and whats missed out!

I absolutely deteste new dumbledore.... he's ot at all what dumbeldore should be like! Old dum. was absolutely perfect, so gentle and soft and birlliant, and now........

that was an easy pick for me. and i hate to bring this up, but since dumbledore really is gay, michael gambon IS better at that part, but since i don't particulary care for that snippet of information, i like richard harris better.

The new one freaks me out, in the fifth movie he wasn't the wise old dumbledore but a old freak who shouts a lot,

It was a hard choice, but I chose the old dumbledore because he was more wizardy. lol.The new one is kinda Crazy and wacko.

aha!!! so it WASN'T ian mckellen

by friend has been ranting on about how ian mckellen was dumbledore and how he's not dead yet, while the other says he IS dead yet

but he definately potrayed dumbledore how i imagined him. i still like the new dumbledore though

When Richard Harris Died, i was really upset, and thought that the new Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) wasnt as good and it upset me...but now, i think that Michael Gambon is better than Richard...Richard Harris was far to weak to play the great warior of Dumbledore. I mean, just imagine Richard Harris (Old D.) Fighting Voldemort in the most resent film (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix...5) It would look completely ubserd. He is a good actor but not for Dumbledore...so my vote goes to Michael Gambon

Richard Harris is how i imagined Dumbledore, he had that twinkle in his eye, he was viewed as weak but strong and he had that soft voice that could be raised if needed (though in the 1 & 2 movie he was ment to be more disapointed than angry)

Although I do agree with some of the points that he might not have been able to do the scene against Voldemort in the Order of the Phoenix.

I mean COME ON - Michael Gambon did not even wear the glass' - what was with that? and with that "dont you all have studing to be doing" (sorry if that was a miss quote) and when he like attacks harry after harrys name is pulled out of the goblet of fire - he just does not have Dumbledore down pat!

i also agree with waht XjORDAN_ANNX3 said lol

I don't think this new guy has a grasp of his charactor like the old one did. The new one freaked me out in Goblet (Hello, We don't need someone else yelling at Harry. Alan Rickman as Severus does a wonderful job at that already!) Seriously, I like pointed at the screen and said "Who are you and what did you do with my sweet old man Albus?" Old Dumbledore all the way!

The new one looks more like I pictured him when I read the books before the movies came out.

i pref the old dumbledore. hes like the dumbledore i imagined when reading the books. big harry potter fan by the way.lol

New Dumbldore Is Way better Then Old Dumbledore

I just adore the old dumbledore. I mean he just had that "old and frial" voice to him that made that character who he is! I think that the new dumbledore it TOO enerjetic and to jumpy. Isnt he sppose to be old?
-kokobunn-

Even before Richard Harris passed away I thought he was a poor choice for Dumbledore. He was too frail, meek, and quiet. Michael Gambon shows the inner strength & vitality of Dumbledore. Now they just need to add some whimsy fun to the character (after all, book Dumbledore wears silly hats, using candy names as his office passwords, etc.)...although we're a bit too late for that for the upcoming movies.

the new dumbledore scares me...

The New Dumbledore really annoys me. He seems too out-there and energetic. He's not supposed to have random outbursts. He makes Dumbledore actually seem kind of... immature.

Old Dumbledore should've worn more festive hats and stuff. With that, he'd be perfect.

I prefer new Dumbledore. For me he showed the strength and mischief of the Dumbledore from the book.
I thought Richard Harris was a little weak as the character.

THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST!

Ummmmm Richard was so much better. No offence to Michael Gambon, but he just doesn't portray the Dumbledore from the books. BESilverLion said it best. And what was with Dumbledore shaking and yelling at Harry in the 4th movie. That definately shouldn't have happened.

MichaelGambon!Dumbledore = AngerManagement!Dumbledore

I am against kateliness2's comment. the only reason micheal gambon is immature is because the director is writing the script, therefore its the directors fault.

Come on! MG may be a bit meaner, but that's because the books have become darker, and so has Dumbledore! RH was too frail, he just didn't have the strength that Dumbledore needs! MG is just great

the old one seemed perfect 2 me. he looked rite. and like, idk, he just seems 2 me a Dumbledore. like how Dumbledore should be...

Actually, I don't just prefer Harris' Dumbledore, I HATE THE OTHER DUMBLEDORE, HE'S SO MUCH NOT-LIKE-DUMBLEDORE ¬¬

Richard Harris was the best he just captured the way i would have throught Dumbledore 2 be.

micheal gambon is a spaz.

New dumbledore rocks... i just think yeh old dumbledore did the senstive side well but he was just to frail to carry any weight or anger behind is words...

everyone says they hate how micheal gambon was shaking harry in the fourth movie. wasnt his fault. dont blame him. blame the director

I much prefer Richard Harris (RIP) as Dumbledore, but Michael is still a good second choice. =]

He fit perfectly how i always imagined Dumbledore. I guess he's a bit "Softer" than the new one

The old him was creepy

let me ask you this: can you picture richard harris fighting voldemort in the latest movie? he would probably have a heart attack in the middle of the fight, he was too weak, i mean he was good wen it came to old and wise, but dumbledore is supposed to be strong and seem young

Micheal Gambon dnt relly tlk like he duz in the film. He puts on the accent n considering that Dumbledore is supposed to be ENGLISH, its a bit stupid. He's english but tlks with an irish accent

i should have said PUT ON irish accent!!!!!!!!!

Richard Harris, for sure. Michael Gambon is too harsh and sorta mean, but Dumbledore is supposed to be gentil and kind and almost never get angry. Richard Harris played him perfectly.

I think if both these Dumbledore's unite, they'd make the perfect dumbledore. I liked Richard Harris because he was like the kindergarden teacher with the light humor and the kindness. But michael gambon is awesome because he did seem to show that he was the headmaster. He always seemed to illuminate that kind of power.

I really like the new Dumbly better.

Gambon plays Dumbledore with too much abruptness! Harris acted a much more gentle Dumbledore with more mystery & wisedom that reflected the books' portrayal! Harris made a bigger impact, that Gambon seems to be chasing but hasn't achieved! RIP

I cannot STAND Michael Gambon because I think he does a terrible job at portraying how Dumbledore really was. Richard Harris was perfect in my eyes.

they need to find a hybrid of them lol...gambon has the anger/power thing, harris had the wisdom/patience thing
it just got me mad in the 4th movie when he was asking harry how his name got in the goblet b/c he's supposed to automatically trust harry

Oh.. It's such a shame about Richard Harris died.. He was amazing as Dumbledore and he was excatly like I imagined him from the books. But im getting used to Michael Gambon as well, but I didn't think he was any good in the 4 movie. He was way to aggresive and unsensitive.

I luv both of them!! THEY ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

I loved the old Dumbledore, he just had so much passion and he was exactly what I pictured when I read about Dumbledore. I literally started crying when I heard he died.