The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached an exciting milestone 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 insight into who will bring to life key figures such as 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, and find out which major roles are still awaiting their actors.
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, Dumbledore plays a pivotal role in Harry Potter's journey and has a complex past involving Gellert Grindelwald, 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.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon for the rest of the series. Younger versions were portrayed by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley
Tony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished figure at Hogwarts as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress. She is introduced early in the series, assisting Dumbledore in delivering 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 in the original films 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 embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. His intricate relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character.
Essiedu has starred in 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.
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 is instrumental in Harry's early journey, becoming one of his closest friends.
Frost is 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 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, a rising actor, 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 strict caretaker of Hogwarts, 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, learn about the producing duo spearheading HBO's reboot, and get our guide to immersing yourself in the Harry Potter books.
