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

We’ve reached a thrilling milestone in the development of the HBO Harry Potter TV series, as the first six cast members have been revealed. While the casting for iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort is still pending, we now know who will portray beloved figures such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others. Let’s dive into the confirmed cast and look forward to the roles yet to be filled.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesJohn Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, will bring Albus Dumbledore to life. Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts, is renowned as one of the most powerful wizards and a crucial mentor to Harry Potter. His complex past includes a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later became a notorious dark wizard.

Lithgow's versatile 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, Interstellar, and many more.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed him in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon for the rest of the series. Younger versions were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew CrowleyTony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall. A cherished member of Hogwarts, McGonagall is the head of Gryffindor and the deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. She first appears in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.

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

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

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferEmmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. His intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, shapes his challenging relationship with the young wizard.

Essiedu has impressed audiences in I May Destroy You, The Outrun, Black Mirror, Men, The Lazarus Project, Gangs of London, and other projects.

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 MaloneNick Frost will portray Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper of Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to his magical journey, eventually becoming one of Harry’s closest allies.

Frost is celebrated for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead, Skeleton Crew, The World’s End, Hot Fuzz, Attack the Block, and many more.

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

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil SharpEmerging actor Luke Thallon steps into the shoes of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in Harry’s first year at Hogwarts.

Thallon has made his mark with roles 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 MarslandBAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the stern caretaker of Hogwarts, 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, Alice in Wonderland, and more.

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

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

Harry PotterRon WeasleyHermione GrangerLord VoldemortDraco MalfoySirius BlackRemus LupinDolores UmbridgeAlastor MoodyGinny WeasleyLuna LovegoodFred WeasleyGeorge WeasleyArthur WeasleyMolly WeasleyJames PotterLily PotterBellatrix LestrangeNeville LongbottomCedric DiggoryDudley DursleyPetunia DursleyVernon DursleyLucius MalfoyCho ChangSeamus FinniganDean ThomasGilderoy LockhartDobbyNearly Headless NickMoaning MyrtleSybill TrelawneyFilius FlitwickAnd many more...For more, 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.