We've reached an exciting milestone in the development of the HBO Harry Potter TV series with the announcement of the first six cast members. While fans eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have confirmed actors for the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more.
Read on to discover who has been officially cast in this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, as well as which major characters are yet to be announced.
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, will portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in the Harry Potter universe, Dumbledore played a crucial role as Harry's mentor. His complex past, including his tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, adds depth to his character.
Lithgow's extensive career includes notable 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 others.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed him in Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. Toby Regbo and Jude Law have also played younger versions of the character.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley
Tony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished figure at Hogwarts and head of Gryffindor house. As deputy headmistress under Dumbledore, McGonagall's introduction in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone marks her as a pivotal character from the outset.
McTeer's previous roles 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 took on the role in the original series, with Fiona Glascott portraying her in the Fantastic Beasts series.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer
Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin house. Snape's intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, makes him a challenging yet essential character in the series.
Essiedu's notable appearances 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 portrayed Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing his younger versions.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone
Nick Frost will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid's role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts marks the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
Frost's comedic background includes 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 portrayed Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield playing the young Hagrid.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp
Luke Thallon will portray 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 Marsland
BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker 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, 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, 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.
