The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached a significant 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, the series has now revealed who will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and other key figures from the beloved wizarding world.
Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast members for this fresh adaptation of Harry Potter, as well as the major characters who 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, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore is widely regarded as one of the most powerful wizards in history and plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His complex past includes a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later becomes a formidable dark wizard.
Lithgow's extensive career includes standout 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 Dumbledore in "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over for the rest of the series. 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 Award and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished figure at Hogwarts, serving as the head of Gryffindor and the deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. McGonagall is one of the first characters introduced in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.
McTeer's notable roles include "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," and "Sorry for Your Loss," among others.
Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith portrayed McGonagall in the original series, while Fiona Glascott played the role 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 portray Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor at Hogwarts and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, makes him a pivotal and challenging character throughout the series.
Essiedu's previous work includes "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 played Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying the teenage and child versions, respectively.
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 and gamekeeper of Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a vital role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him into the magical world, eventually becoming one of Harry's closest friends.
Frost is known for his comedic roles in films like "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 takes on 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 portrayed Quirrell.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland
BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse has been cast as Argus Filch, the stern caretaker of Hogwarts, often accompanied by 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 portrayed Filch.
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 follow our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
