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 confirmation on the actors set to bring Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more to life.
Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast for this fresh take on the Harry Potter saga, and learn about the major characters yet to be cast.
Confirmed Cast:
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore plays a crucial role as Harry Potter's mentor, with a complex past tied to the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. 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, and Michael Gambon in the rest of the series; Toby Regbo and Jude Law portrayed younger versions of the character.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Tony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. A beloved figure from the start, McGonagall first appears in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone alongside Dumbledore. 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 films and Fiona Glascott in the Fantastic Beasts series.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character. Essiedu's previous 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 and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions of Snape.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a pivotal role in Harry's life, from rescuing him from the Dursleys to 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 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
BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse is set to 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:
The list of major characters yet to be cast includes Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Lord Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Dolores Umbridge, Alastor Moody, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Fred and George Weasley, Arthur and Molly Weasley, James and Lily Potter, Bellatrix Lestrange, Neville Longbottom, Cedric Diggory, Dudley, Petunia, and 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.
