From Mad-Eye Moody to Marvel Mob Boss: Brendan Gleeson Trades His Magical Toolkit for Criminal Underworld in 'Spider-Noir'

Published 05/28/2026, 5:06 AM EDT

Credits: Aaron Epstein/Prime

After hanging up his duties as Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody took up a new role. Actor Brendan Gleeson, who previously played the role of Moody in the Harry Potter films, returned to the screen to play a mob boss in the Spider-Noir series. The Irish actor is well known for his performances in films such as Braveheart, 28 Days Later, The Guard, and The Banshees of Inisherin. 

Now, after three years away from the screen, Gleeson is back playing a villain in the Amazon Prime Video series.

Brendon Gleeson played an Irish crime boss in Spider-Noir

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Brendan Gleeson looks much more dapper than in his wizard look as the new crime boss, Silvermane, in Spider-Noir. Known as Finbar Byrne, the Irish mob kingpin is shown to have control over several parts of New York. He efficiently controls much of the city’s police force and even its political leadership. 

Apart from this, he also runs a business supplying illegal alcohol into the city during Prohibition. During the Prohibition era, it was illegal to make, sell, and distribute alcohol. And he is shown as a cruel mobster who continues to trouble Nicolas Cage’s character, Ben Reilly.

"He's kind of a bit of a philosopher," Gleeson told TV Insider. "He will philosophize about how the nature of the world is such that he has no real choice, but he knows and understands that. Of course, he does. So that's why he's a villain.” 

While Gleeson has perfectly moulded into the new Silvermane for the series, and is almost unrecognisable, the actor cannot be separated from his previous iconic role as Moody in the Harry Potter film series. Despite portraying the role faithfully from the books, he was unique. 

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As for the actor who will play Moody in the new HBO Harry Potter series, he also has an interesting suggestion. 

Brenden Gleeson’s advice for a new actor to play Moody

During the New York premiere of Spider-Noir, Brendan Gleeson was asked about any advice that he could share for the new actor who could play Moody in the new Harry Potter series. He explained that he does not have any advice for the next actor to play Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody. Instead, he suggested that the actor bring something of their own to the role.

“Enjoy yourself, do your own thing,” he said.

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Gleeson played Moody in three Harry Potter films from 2005 to 2010. He originally accepted the role because his four sons were excited about the franchise. With Moody yet to be cast, it is unlikely that Gleeson returns for the role. However, who could step into the big shoes remains to be seen.

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What do you think about Brenden Gleeson as Silvermane. Share your take.

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Pritha Debroy

734 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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