What is the name of the Hogwarts headmaster at the beginning of the Harry Potter film series?

Albus Dumbledore is the Hogwarts headmaster at the beginning of the Harry Potter film series.

Dumbledore is headmaster when Harry arrives at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. He is portrayed as an exceptionally powerful wizard, a mentor to Harry and a central opponent of Lord Voldemort. His position gives him authority over the school while also placing him at the center of the wider conflict.

Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first two films. After Harris died in 2002, Michael Gambon took over the role for the remaining six movies. The character’s presence therefore continues throughout all eight films, although the actor changes.

The role can be confused with other senior Hogwarts figures. Minerva McGonagall is deputy headmistress for much of the story, Severus Snape becomes headmaster later, and Rubeus Hagrid is the gamekeeper and a teacher. At the beginning of the film series, however, Dumbledore is the headmaster.