HBO's Harry Potter Reboot: Confirmed Cast and Characters Revealed

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 Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, we now have official confirmations for several key roles including Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more. Dive into the details below to discover who has been cast and who is yet to be announced.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow, celebrated for his six Emmy wins and two Tony Awards, will embody Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore, one of the most powerful wizards in the Harry Potter universe, played a crucial role as Harry's mentor and had a complex past involving Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard. Lithgow's extensive career includes standout performances in shows like 3rd Rock From the Sun, Dexter, The Crown, and films such as Shrek, Interstellar, and more.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon in the subsequent films; Toby Regbo and Jude Law portrayed younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Tony and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will bring Professor Minerva McGonagall to life. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore, McGonagall is a beloved figure at Hogwarts, first introduced in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. McTeer's notable roles include Me Before You, The Menu, and Ozark.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original series and Fiona Glascott in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will step into the role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate relationships with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, add depth to his character, making him a central figure in the series. Essiedu's notable works include I May Destroy You, Black Mirror, 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 portray Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and Hogwarts' gamekeeper. Hagrid is instrumental in Harry's journey, from rescuing him from the Dursleys to becoming one of his closest friends. Frost is known for his roles in comedic hits like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End.

Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield as young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon will take 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.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris. Whitehouse's career highlights include The Fast Show, The Death of Stalin, and Alice in Wonderland.

Who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films? David Bradley.

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

The casting process for the HBO Harry Potter series continues, with major characters such as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Lord Voldemort, and many others yet to be announced. Stay tuned for updates on these pivotal roles.

For more insights into the magical world of Harry Potter, 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.