We've reached an exciting milestone in the development of the HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have been unveiled. While we eagerly await announcements on who will portray iconic characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have confirmation on who will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and several other key figures.
Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast members for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, as well as those 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 renowned as one of the most powerful wizards in history and played a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory includes a poignant relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later becomes a formidable dark wizard.
Lithgow's notable works 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.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, Michael Gambon in the subsequent films, and Toby Regbo and Jude Law as younger versions of the character.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley
Tony Award and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, the esteemed head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. McGonagall is introduced early in the series, notably assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.
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 in the original series and Fiona Glascott 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 take on the complex role of Severus Snape, the 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 both a challenging and crucial figure in the narrative.
Essiedu's credits 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 as the teenage Snape and Benedict Clarke as the child version.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone
Nick Frost has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid is instrumental in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him into the magical world, eventually becoming one of his closest friends.
Frost is celebrated 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 as 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, 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 Marsland
BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker known for his constant vigilance alongside his cat, Mrs. Norris.
Whitehouse's notable roles 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, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, the producing duo leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
