We've reached an exciting milestone with the HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have been revealed. While fans eagerly await announcements for who will play iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have confirmation on the actors who will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more.
Read on to discover who has been officially cast in this fresh take on the Harry Potter saga and which major roles remain to be filled.
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 take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore, one of the most powerful wizards, played a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter and had a complex history with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
Lithgow's illustrious career includes roles in 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, among others.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, and Michael Gambon in the subsequent films; Toby Regbo and Jude Law portrayed younger versions of the character.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley
Tony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. Introduced early in the series, McGonagall plays a crucial role from the very beginning, assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.
McTeer's notable works 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 films.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer
Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to the series.
Essiedu's previous roles 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 will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant gamekeeper and groundskeeper of Hogwarts. Hagrid's kindness and loyalty make him a cherished friend to Harry.
Frost is known for his comedic roles in films like 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 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
Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland
BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the 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 leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and find our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
