HBO's Harry Potter Reboot: Confirmed Cast and Characters Revealed
The HBO Harry Potter TV series has hit a significant milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. Although we're still awaiting news on who will play iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others have now been filled. Dive in to discover who's been officially confirmed for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, and which characters are yet to be cast.
Confirmed Cast:
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes
John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, takes on the role of Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore is renowned as one of the most powerful wizards in history and plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory includes a complex and tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later becomes a formidable dark wizard.
Lithgow's notable roles include 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 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 played him in the subsequent films. Younger versions of Dumbledore were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley
Janet McTeer, a Tony Award and Golden Globe winner, will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, McGonagall is a beloved figure at Hogwarts. She is introduced early in the series, joining Dumbledore to deliver Harry to the Dursleys.
McTeer's previous work includes 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 played her 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 Crafer
Paapa Essiedu, an Emmy-nominated actor, will embody Severus Snape, the Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape is a pivotal character with a deep connection to Harry and his parents, James and Lily, making him a challenging presence in Harry's life.
Essiedu's past 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 took on the role, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing the teenage and child versions, respectively.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone
Nick Frost will portray Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a vital role in Harry's journey, rescuing him from the Dursleys and becoming one of his closest friends.
Frost is known for his comedic roles in films such as 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 played Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield portraying the young Hagrid.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp
Luke Thallon will play Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts.
Thallon, a newcomer to the acting scene, 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 Marsland
BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker, often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.
Whitehouse is recognized 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 more 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 discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
