HBO has officially revealed the cast for its new Harry Potter TV series, set to begin filming this summer. Big names like John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, and Janet McTeer will take on iconic roles at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Lithgow will play Dumbledore, while Essiedu takes on Snape, and Frost becomes Hagrid. McTeer joins the cast as Professor McGonagall. This new show aims to bring J.K. Rowling’s beloved books to life in greater detail. The series may hit screens as early as 2026, although casting for Harry, Ron, and Hermione is still underway.
A New Chapter at Hogwarts
The new HBO Harry Potter series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV shows in years. The network confirmed several cast members this week, including new faces for some of the series’ most well-known characters.
John Lithgow, known for roles in The Crown and 3rd Rock from the Sun, will lead the Hogwarts staff as Albus Dumbledore. He recently won an Olivier Award for playing Roald Dahl on stage and has said he’s excited to take on this magical role.“We’re thrilled to have such amazing talent,” said showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod in a joint statement. “We can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
Key Cast Announced
Here’s a breakdown of the main cast confirmed so far:
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Essiedu rose to fame in I May Destroy You and later starred in Gangs of London and The Outrun. He brings a powerful presence to the complex role of Professor Snape.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Frost, well known for films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will play the lovable half-giant Hagrid. His friendly charm makes him a strong fit for the role.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
McTeer, whose credits include Ozark and Wuthering Heights, steps into the shoes of the wise and firm Professor McGonagall.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
British comedian Paul Whitehouse, known for The Fast Show and Harry & Paul, will play the cranky school caretaker Filch.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Thallon, who recently played Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company, takes on the role of the nervous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Open Casting Draws Thousands
As of now, the lead roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger have not been cast. HBO held a global open casting call that drew over 30,000 submissions.
Casting for these roles is still ongoing, with producers reportedly looking for young actors who closely match the characters’ personalities from the books.
A Faithful Return to the Wizarding World
This new series will be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original novels. HBO says the show will allow for deeper storytelling, giving fans more time to explore the plot and characters.
Unlike the film franchise, which had time limits, the series will have room to include subplots and background stories that were left out of the movies.
Rowling is serving as executive producer, giving her a direct hand in the series. While her involvement has stirred some debate in the fan community, HBO appears focused on staying true to her work.
When Will the Series Premiere?
Filming is scheduled to begin in summer 2025, with HBO aiming for a 2026 premiere. The release date is not confirmed, but early signs suggest the show could be a multi-season project, possibly with each season covering one book.
Fan Expectations and Speculations
Although many casting choices are now confirmed, fans are still buzzing over who will play other key characters. One rumor suggests Cillian Murphy may be in talks to play Lord Voldemort, though this has not been verified.
Online forums are filled with discussions about potential actors for Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Bellatrix Lestrange.
A Big Step for HBO
This reboot marks a major investment by HBO, aiming to revive the Harry Potter brand for a new generation. It also follows other fantasy-based hits like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us.
By casting top talent and sticking closely to the original books, HBO hopes to appeal to both loyal fans and new viewers alike.
