We've reached an exciting milestone for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, with the announcement of the first six cast members. While we eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have insight into who will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more. Dive in to discover the confirmed cast and the roles yet 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, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore played a pivotal role in mentoring Harry Potter and had a complex past involving Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard. Lithgow's extensive 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 "Sorcerer’s Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over for the remainder of the series. Younger versions of the character were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.
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, a cherished figure at Hogwarts, serving as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress. Introduced early in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," McGonagall was instrumental in delivering 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."
Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith portrayed McGonagall in the original films, with Fiona Glascott taking on the role 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 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 his character. Essiedu's previous work includes "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 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 take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts marks the beginning of their enduring friendship. 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 portrayed Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield playing the young Hagrid.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp
Luke Thallon steps into 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 portrayed Quirrell.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland
BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will 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 portrayed Filch.
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 follow our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
