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

Excitement is building as the HBO Harry Potter TV series takes a major step forward with the announcement of its first six cast members. While fans eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, the identities of those stepping into the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others have now been unveiled. Dive into the details below to discover who has been officially confirmed and which key characters are yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore is renowned as one of the most powerful wizards and a pivotal mentor to Harry Potter, with a complex history involving Gellert Grindelwald. 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 him in "Sorcerer’s Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over for the rest of the series. Toby Regbo and Jude Law played younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Tony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished figure at Hogwarts and the head of Gryffindor. As deputy headmistress, she played a crucial role in Harry's early life, notably in delivering him 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 in the original series and Fiona Glascott in the "Fantastic Beasts" series.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's deep ties to Harry's family and his complex character arc make him one of the series' most compelling figures. 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, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions of Snape.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid played a crucial role in Harry's journey, rescuing him from the Dursleys and becoming one of his closest friends. 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, with Martin Bayfield as young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Newcomer 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's previous work includes "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."

Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse is set to portray Argus Filch, 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.

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

The anticipation continues as several major characters remain to be cast, 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 exploration, check out our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, the producing duo who will be leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.