Excitement is building among Harry Potter fans worldwide as HBO has officially announced the cast for its upcoming television series based on J.K. Rowling's beloved book series. The show, which is set to begin filming this summer, promises to be a faithful adaptation of the original stories, aiming to captivate both long-time fans and new viewers alike.
Leading the cast is veteran actor John Lithgow, who will portray the wise and kind Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow, known for his roles in The Crown and Conclave, confirmed his casting in February 2025, expressing both excitement and a hint of trepidation about the role. "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... I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes," he told ScreenRant.
Joining Lithgow is Academy Award nominee Janet McTeer, who will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. McTeer, celebrated for her performances in Tumbleweeds and The White Queen, brings a wealth of experience to the role, which was previously embodied by the late Dame Maggie Smith in the film franchise.
Another key character, Severus Snape, will be portrayed by Paapa Essiedu, an actor recognized for his work in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London. Essiedu's casting sparked a mix of excitement and debate among fans, particularly due to the character's previous portrayal by the late Alan Rickman. Recently, Essiedu shared on Instagram a picture of the confirmed cast members, stating, "An honour and a privilege to be going on this journey with these legends. We shall eat and we shall leave no crumbs. See you at Hogwarts. Professor Snape x."
Nick Frost, famous for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will play Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts. Frost acknowledged his casting by paying tribute to the late Robbie Coltrane, who originally portrayed Hagrid in the films. In a heartfelt message on Threads, he wrote, "You’re a wizard, Harry!!! Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won’t let you down."
Luke Thallon, a rising star in theatre, is set to portray Professor Quirinus Quirrell, Harry's first Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Thallon, who has previously appeared in an uncredited role in The Favourite, expressed his eagerness to transition from stage to screen, stating, "There’s no pretending that I turn lots of things down, but I’m just waiting for the reason to go to screen to be as exciting and as fulfilling as the things I get to do on stage now."
Paul Whitehouse, known for his work in comedy sketch series The Fast Show, will take on the role of Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts. Interestingly, Whitehouse is no stranger to the Harry Potter universe; he previously played Sir Cadogan in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The excitement surrounding the casting has been palpable, with executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod expressing their enthusiasm for the talented group of actors bringing the wizarding world to life once again. They noted that the show would explore every corner of the magical universe, with each season focusing on different adventures from the books.
As of now, HBO has not revealed who will play the iconic trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. However, an open casting call held last year reportedly attracted over 30,000 hopefuls, highlighting the immense interest in the series. Production for the series is expected to begin this summer, with Warner Bros. reaffirming its support for the project. In a statement, they expressed pride in retelling the story of Harry Potter, describing it as a tale about friendship, courage, and acceptance.
Despite ongoing discussions about J.K. Rowling's personal views, her involvement in the series has been deemed beneficial by the studio. With filming set to commence soon and more cast announcements anticipated, the magic of Hogwarts is being revived for a whole new generation. As fans eagerly await the series, they can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved characters and stories that have captivated audiences for decades.
