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TL;DR: HBO’s new Harry Potter series is stacking its cast with a mix of veterans and rising stars. We’ve got a new Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid, McGonagall, Quirrell, and Filch—though the Golden Trio is still under wraps. Filming kicks off in 2025.
Hogwarts Just Got Its Staff List
HBO has officially announced the first six cast members for its Harry Potter television series, set to premiere in 2026. The series promises a faithful retelling of the original books, with each season dedicated to one of the seven novels. According to IGN, the new adaptation is being positioned as a decade-long project that dives deeper into the Wizarding World than the original films.
Who’s Who in the New Cast
- John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore. The Dexter and The Crown alum will bring gravitas to the role, following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Lithgow noted that Dumbledore becomes “a much more surprising, complicated character” as the series progresses, according to Entertainment Weekly.
- Paapa Essiedu, best known for I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, will portray Severus Snape. Essiedu made headlines as the first Black actor to play Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and his casting has sparked both buzz and debate in the fandom. Los40 reported strong opinions across social media, with some embracing the fresh take and others nostalgic for Alan Rickman’s performance.
- Nick Frost—yep, the Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz legend—is stepping into the role of Rubeus Hagrid. It’s a bold pick that will bring some quirky charm to the half-giant gamekeeper. According to Los40, actors like Billy Bob Thornton and Simon Pegg were also in the running.
- Janet McTeer, a Tony- and Olivier-winning powerhouse, is taking over as Professor Minerva McGonagall. Known for her roles in The Menu and Ozark, McTeer brings theatrical intensity and prestige to the role.
- Luke Thallon has landed the role of the jittery Professor Quirrell. The rising British stage actor has made waves at the Royal Shakespeare Company and is poised to bring something new to the character who… well, has something growing on the back of his head.
- Paul Whitehouse rounds out the announced cast as Argus Filch. You probably know him from The Fast Show or Alice Through the Looking Glass, and he’s a natural fit for Hogwarts’ grumpy caretaker.
What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?
Francesca Gardiner (Killing Eve, His Dark Materials) is serving as showrunner and executive producer, with Succession director Mark Mylod on board as well, per IGN. J.K. Rowling will remain involved as an executive producer, ensuring the series maintains its wizarding DNA.
Casting is still ongoing for the iconic trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione. As of last count, over 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles.
Production is scheduled to begin in 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location where the original film series was shot, according to Vanity Fair.