Fourteen years after the final Harry Potter film graced cinemas, HBO is bringing the wizarding world back to life with a highly anticipated TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved series. The new show aims to faithfully retell the story of Harry Potter and his adventures at Hogwarts, with each of Rowling's seven novels slated to become a season of television. Production is expected to begin this summer in the U.K., with the series set to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027.
HBO has been steadily unveiling its star-studded and diverse cast, blending seasoned actors with fresh faces to breathe new life into the iconic characters. Leading the charge are Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. McLaughlin, who has appeared in the Sky comedy Grow, is stepping into the mantle once held by Daniel Radcliffe. Stanton, known for her West End portrayal of Matilda Wormwood in Matilda: The Musical, brings her theatrical experience to Hermione, while Stout, a newcomer with only a brief appearance in a potato advert, takes on Ron Weasley.
Veteran actors headline the adult roles, with John Lithgow cast as the wise and warm Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow expressed both excitement and humility about the role, telling Screen Rant, “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.”
Paapa Essiedu, recognized for his performances in I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, takes on the challenging role of Severus Snape, following in the footsteps of the late Alan Rickman. Essiedu’s prior support for LGBTQ+ rights has sparked conversation, especially given J.K. Rowling’s controversial comments about the trans community, but Rowling has indicated that differing beliefs would not affect his casting.
Janet McTeer, a Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress known for roles in Ozark and The Menu, will portray the formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall, originally brought to life by Dame Maggie Smith. Nick Frost, famed for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, steps into the enormous shoes of Rubeus Hagrid, promising to honor the late Robbie Coltrane’s legacy without imitation. Frost described Hagrid as “a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child,” and expressed enthusiasm about exploring the character’s depth over the course of a season-long adaptation.
The Malfoy family has seen new casting announcements as well. Lox Pratt, known for his upcoming role in the BBC's adaptation of Lord of the Flies, will play Draco Malfoy, while Johnny Flynn, recognized for Netflix’s Ripley and films like The Dig, takes on Lucius Malfoy. Notably, Tom Felton, who originally portrayed Draco in the films, is set to reprise his role in the Broadway stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child this fall, performing as Draco at the same age as his character in the play.
Other key roles have been filled by actors such as Katherine Parkinson, a BAFTA winner known for The IT Crowd and Rivals, who will play Molly Weasley, and Bel Powley, known for The Morning Show and The Diary of a Teenage Girl, cast as Petunia Dursley. Daniel Rigby, another BAFTA winner recognized for his role in Eric and Ernie, will portray Vernon Dursley. The casting of Powley and Rigby, who are younger than their predecessors in the original films, has sparked debate among fans. Some have questioned whether they are age-appropriate for the roles, noting that in the books, the Dursleys are in their mid-thirties when Harry's story begins. HBO has not publicly responded to these concerns.
Joining the ensemble are Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, rounding out the Hogwarts student body. Paul Whitehouse, known for his work on The Fast Show and films like The Death of Stalin, will play Argus Filch, the cantankerous caretaker. Luke Thallon, making his TV debut after extensive stage work, will portray Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrell.
One of the most eagerly anticipated casting decisions remains the role of Lord Voldemort. Rumors have linked Cillian Murphy and Tom Hiddleston to the dark wizard's role, but as of April 2025, Warner Bros. TV boss Channing Dungey stated they were “still weighing a couple of different options” for the villain, with no official announcement yet made.
The series is helmed by writer and showrunner Francesca Gardiner, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Mark Mylod, who will direct multiple episodes. The production is a collaboration between HBO, Brontë Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television, with Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman also executive producing. Gardiner and Mylod revealed in a December 2024 Max showcase their commitment to crafting a faithful adaptation that explores every corner of the wizarding world, aiming to captivate both new viewers and longtime fans.
HBO describes the series as a “faithful adaptation” that will bring the magic of the books to life in a way the original films could only touch upon. The move to a season-per-book format allows for deeper character development and richer storytelling, promising a fresh yet familiar experience. The series will stream exclusively on HBO Max where available, including in upcoming markets such as Germany, Italy, the U.K., and Turkey. Meanwhile, the original Harry Potter films will remain accessible worldwide, preserving their place in the franchise’s legacy.
As the wizarding world prepares to enchant a new generation, expectations are high. Fans are eager to see how this new adaptation balances reverence for the source material with innovative storytelling. With its blend of acclaimed actors and emerging talent, the HBO Harry Potter series is poised to be a landmark event in television, rekindling the magic that has captivated audiences for over 25 years.
