Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (SPOILERS)

[xharryb]

I think most of the problem with "who's the better Dumbledore?" is simply the fact that we have two very different actors to compare. Had one person played the role for all 7 films, I don't think there would be nearly as much questioning of how the character is being portrayed.

Which is why I kinda think it was a little short sighted of the powers that be to cast Harris in the first place. He was already so old and, worse yet, not aging terribly well. Did they really expect him to live through a full decade or so it would take to film the entire franchise?

That being said though, I think part of the appeal and the reason so many prefer Harris' portrayal actual has more to do with the actors' natural presence than the acting. Harris could stand there on screen, not saying a word yet giving off a very regal, watchable, likable it factor. Gambon is a fine actor, but doesn't have the same regal presence that made Harris so instantly appealing.