We’ve reached a significant 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 the pleasure of knowing who will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more. Dive in to discover the officially confirmed cast members and those yet to be announced.
Confirmed Cast:
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesThe acclaimed actor John Lithgow, boasting six Emmys and two Tony Awards, has been selected to embody Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in history, Dumbledore played a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory is deeply entwined with Gellert Grindelwald, a once-close friend who later turned into a formidable dark wizard.
Lithgow's versatile career spans across notable works like 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.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. 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 CrowleyThe talented Janet McTeer, honored with a Tony Award and a Golden Globe, will bring to life Professor Minerva McGonagall. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, McGonagall is a cherished figure at Hogwarts, first introduced alongside Dumbledore when 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? The role was brilliantly filled by Dame Maggie Smith in the original series, with Fiona Glascott taking on the character in the Fantastic Beasts series.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferEmmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions master and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character throughout the series.
Essiedu's previous works 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? The iconic role was played by Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying the teenage and child versions of Snape, respectively.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee MaloneNick Frost will delight fans as Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts marks the beginning of their enduring friendship.
Frost is celebrated 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? The character was brought to life by Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield portraying the younger Hagrid.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil SharpLuke 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 took on the role of Quirrell.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike MarslandBAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker, often accompanied by his cat, Mrs. Norris.
Whitehouse is known for his work in 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 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 insights, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, the producing duo spearheading HBO’s reboot, and our comprehensive guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
