The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached an exciting milestone with the announcement of its first six cast members. While fans eagerly await the casting of iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have confirmation on who will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others.
Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast members for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter universe, as well as the major characters yet to be cast.
Confirmed Cast:
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesThe acclaimed actor John Lithgow, renowned for his six Emmy and two Tony Awards, will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore, known as one of the most powerful wizards, plays a pivotal role in guiding Harry Potter through his journey. His backstory includes a complex relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard.
Lithgow's versatile career spans roles in 3rd Rock From the Sun, Dexter, The Crown, Shrek, The World According to Garp, Perry Mason, The Old Man, Footloose, Terms of Endearment, and Interstellar, among many others.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed him in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, while Michael Gambon took over for the rest of the series. Younger versions were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew CrowleyJanet McTeer, celebrated for her Tony and Golden Globe Awards, will step into the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. A cherished figure at Hogwarts, McGonagall serves as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress. She is introduced early in the series, notably when she assists Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.
McTeer's notable works include Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Tumbleweeds, The Old Man, Ozark, and Sorry for Your Loss.
Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original films, with Fiona Glascott taking on the role in the Fantastic Beasts series.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferEmmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character, making him a challenging yet essential figure in Harry's life.
Essiedu's notable roles include I May Destroy You, The Outrun, Black Mirror, Men, The Lazarus Project, and Gangs of London.
Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions of Snape.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee MaloneNick Frost will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid's role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts marks the beginning of Harry's magical journey, fostering a deep friendship.
Frost is well-known for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead, Skeleton Crew, The World’s End, Hot Fuzz, and Attack the Block.
Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield playing 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, a rising star, 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-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker, often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.
Whitehouse is known for his work in The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, The Death of Stalin, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Corpse Bride, and Alice in Wonderland.
Who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films? David Bradley.
Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Lord Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Dolores Umbridge, Alastor Moody, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, James Potter, Lily Potter, Bellatrix Lestrange, Neville Longbottom, Cedric Diggory, Dudley Dursley, Petunia Dursley, Vernon Dursley, Lucius Malfoy, Cho Chang, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Gilderoy Lockhart, Dobby, Nearly Headless Nick, Moaning Myrtle, Sybill Trelawney, Filius Flitwick, and many more...
For further insights, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, learn about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO's reboot, and follow our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
