Exciting news for Harry Potter fans as the HBO Harry Potter TV series reaches a significant milestone: the first six cast members have been officially announced. While the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort remain up for grabs, we now know who will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and other key characters in this new adaptation. Dive in to discover the confirmed cast and the characters yet to be cast.
Confirmed Cast:
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesJohn Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore, known as one of the most powerful wizards, played a pivotal role as Harry Potter's mentor and has a complex past entwined with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
Lithgow's illustrious career includes standout performances in 3rd Rock From the Sun, Dexter, The Crown, Shrek, The World According to Garp, Perry Mason, The Old Man, Footloose, Terms of Endearment, Interstellar, and many more.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon for the remainder of the series. Younger versions of Dumbledore were portrayed by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew CrowleyTony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress of Hogwarts. McGonagall is a beloved figure introduced early in the series, notably when she and Dumbledore deliver baby Harry to the Dursleys.
McTeer's notable roles include Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Tumbleweeds, The Old Man, Ozark, Sorry for Your Loss, and more.
Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original series, and Fiona Glascott in the Fantastic Beasts films.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferEmmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will take on the challenging role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex history with Harry's parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his interactions with Harry throughout the series.
Essiedu's previous work includes I May Destroy You, The Outrun, Black Mirror, Men, The Lazarus Project, Gangs of London, and more.
Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins as the teenage Snape and Benedict Clarke as the young Snape.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee MaloneNick Frost will portray Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts marks the beginning of their enduring friendship.
Frost is known for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead, Skeleton Crew, The World’s End, Hot Fuzz, Attack the Block, and more.
Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield as the young Hagrid.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil SharpLuke Thallon steps into the role of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts.
Thallon, an emerging talent, has appeared in The Favourite and Present Laughter.
Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike MarslandBAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts, often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.
Whitehouse's notable works include The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, The Death of Stalin, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Corpse Bride, Alice in Wonderland, and more.
Who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films? David Bradley
Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:
Harry PotterRon WeasleyHermione GrangerLord VoldemortDraco MalfoySirius BlackRemus LupinDolores UmbridgeAlastor MoodyGinny WeasleyLuna LovegoodFred WeasleyGeorge WeasleyArthur WeasleyMolly WeasleyJames PotterLily PotterBellatrix LestrangeNeville LongbottomCedric DiggoryDudley DursleyPetunia DursleyVernon DursleyLucius MalfoyCho ChangSeamus FinniganDean ThomasGilderoy LockhartDobbyNearly Headless NickMoaning MyrtleSybill TrelawneyFilius FlitwickAnd many more...For more insights, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, the producing duo that will be leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
