HBO’s Harry Potter Series Reveals First Wave of Cast

THE spells have been cast— and so have the leads!

HBO has begun to reveal the cast for their upcoming series adaptation of Harry Potter, starting with the iconic Hogwarts faculty. 

“We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon, and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell, and Filch,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, alongside Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer.

The first wave of confirmed cast members brings in some heavyweight talent, starting with John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts.

Lithgow is best known for his roles as Winston Churchill in The Crown and Joseph Tremblay in the acclaimed 2024 film Conclave. 

Joining him is Janet McTeer, who will bring Minerva McGonagall to life. Best known for her roles in Tumbleweeds and The White Queen, McTeer is set to take on the role of the no-nonsense Transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House.

Also cast is Nick Frost, who will play the loveable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Frost is known for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, making his humor suitable to the role of the beloved Keeper of the Keys and Grounds. 

Meanwhile, the role of the complex and mysterious Severus Snape fell into Paapa Essiedu. Essiedu was known for his standout performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London. 

In addition, Luke Thallon, who has impressed audiences in Leopoldstadt and Patriots, has been cast in the recurring role of Quirinus Quirrell. 

Paul Whitehouse, known for The Fast Show and Harry & Paul, will take on the recurring role of Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts.

The casting details for the main trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—remain under wraps. However, an open casting call was held last fall, and with filming set to begin this summer, the reveal of their castings may be just around the corner.

Described as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, HBO promises that the series will bring the magic of the wizarding world to life for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, with each season exploring fresh depths of the beloved children’s story.