Excitement is building as HBO reveals nine new cast members for its highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, promising a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved books. Announced on June 9, 2025, this latest casting round brings fresh faces and familiar talent together to breathe new life into the magical world fans have cherished for over two decades.
Among the new additions, Katherine Parkinson, known for her roles in The IT Crowd and Rivals, takes on the role of Molly Weasley, the warm and fiercely protective matriarch of the Weasley family. Joining her are Lox Pratt, a promising newcomer, cast as Draco Malfoy, the cunning and privileged Hogwarts student; and Johnny Flynn, acclaimed for his performances in Emma and the Netflix series Ripley, stepping into the shoes of Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s formidable father. Flynn's extensive acting résumé, which includes portraying David Bowie in Stardust and Ian Fleming in Operation Mincemeat, adds a rich layer of experience to the production.
Adding to the familial dynamics, Bel Powley, known for The Diary of a Teenage Girl, and Daniel Rigby, recognized from Snow White, have been cast as Petunia and Vernon Dursley, Harry Potter's often unkind aunt and uncle. Their performances will flesh out the non-magical side of Harry's early life, grounding the story with relatable human struggles.
The Hogwarts student body also expands with three new actors: Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown. These characters, part of Harry’s peer group, will enrich the school’s social tapestry, highlighting the camaraderie and challenges of growing up in the wizarding world.
Veteran actor Bertie Carvel, known for his roles in The Crown and Doctor Foster, has been cast as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic. His portrayal promises to capture the complex political undertones that thread through the series, reflecting the shifting power dynamics within the magical government.
These new cast members join the previously announced leads: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley—the iconic golden trio at the heart of the saga. Supporting them are distinguished actors John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. This ensemble combines youthful energy with seasoned gravitas, setting the stage for a compelling retelling.
The series, described as a “decade-long” project, aims to adapt each of the seven Harry Potter books into individual seasons, providing ample room to explore the depth and nuance of Rowling’s world. Francesca Gardiner, an Emmy-winning producer known for her work on Killing Eve and Succession, serves as the writer and executive producer. Mark Mylod, who has directed episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will direct multiple episodes and also executive produce, ensuring the show benefits from top-tier creative leadership.
J.K. Rowling herself remains closely involved as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films, who has been a key figure in the Harry Potter film franchise. Their combined expertise aims to maintain the integrity and spirit of the original works while presenting the story to a new generation.
The series will stream exclusively on HBO Max in the United States, with plans to roll out in international markets including Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Despite the new adaptation, the original Harry Potter films will remain available globally, allowing fans to enjoy both versions.
Notably absent from the new cast is Tom Felton, the actor who famously portrayed Draco Malfoy in the original films. Instead, Felton is reprising his role in the stage production Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at New York's Lyric Theatre later this year. Felton has expressed gratitude to Rowling for the impact the series has had worldwide, stating, "The only thing I always remind myself is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world — here I am in New York — and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She’s responsible for that." His nuanced stance on contentious issues surrounding Rowling highlights the complexity of the fandom's relationship with the author.
The announcement of these nine new actors marks a significant milestone in the Harry Potter television series’ development, signaling a commitment to authentic storytelling and character-driven drama. Fans can expect a richly detailed world filled with magic, friendship, and the enduring battle between good and evil, brought to life with a fresh cast and high production values.
While a specific release date has yet to be announced, the series is already generating buzz for its ambitious scope and dedication to the source material. As the production progresses, further casting details and behind-the-scenes insights are eagerly anticipated by the global Harry Potter community.
With its blend of new talent and seasoned performers, expert creative team, and Rowling’s direct involvement, HBO’s Harry Potter series aims to be a landmark event in television, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an immersive journey into the wizarding world.
