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

Exciting news for fans of the wizarding world: the HBO Harry Potter TV series has just announced its first six cast members, marking a significant milestone in the development of this much-anticipated project. While we eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and the dark Lord Voldemort, we now have the names of the actors who will bring to life some of the series' most beloved figures, including Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more.

Let's dive into the details of who has been officially cast in this new adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, and which key roles are still up for grabs.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes

Six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow will embody Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in history, Dumbledore plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His complex past, including his tragic relationship with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, adds depth to his character.

Lithgow's illustrious career includes standout performances 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 portrayed Dumbledore in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over for the remainder of the series. Toby Regbo and Jude Law have also played younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley

Tony Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished member of the Hogwarts faculty. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, McGonagall is a formidable witch and a key figure in Harry's journey, first introduced alongside Dumbledore when they deliver Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer's notable roles include "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," and "Sorry for Your Loss," among others.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith portrayed McGonagall in the original series, with Fiona Glascott playing the character 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 step into the role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor at Hogwarts and head of Slytherin House. Snape's intricate history with Harry's parents, James and Lily, shapes his complex interactions with Harry throughout the series.

Essiedu has made a name for himself with roles in "I May Destroy You," "The Outrun," "Black Mirror," "Men," "The Lazarus Project," and "Gangs of London," to name a few.

Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman brought Snape to life, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing younger versions of the character.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone

Nick Frost will portray Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts sets the stage for their enduring friendship.

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 played Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield portraying 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 newcomer to the acting scene, 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-winning actor Paul Whitehouse has been cast as Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker, often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse is recognized for his work in "The Fast Show," "Harry & Paul," "The Death of Stalin," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," "Corpse Bride," and "Alice in Wonderland," among others.

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

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

The casting for many pivotal characters remains open, including 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 further reading, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from both the movies and books, learn about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and discover our comprehensive guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.