HBO has officially unveiled the adult cast of its upcoming Harry Potter series, which is supposed to be a «faithful adaptation» of J.K. Rowling’s books — although the new take on some characters is already significantly different from the original story.
Expectedly, «Emmy» winner John Lithgow («Conclave») will take on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, «Oscar» nominee Janet McTeer («Ozark») will play the strict transfiguration professor Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu («Black Mirror») will present a new version of Severus Snape, and Nick Frost — Hegrida. Among the roles not mentioned in the leaks are Professor Quirel (Luke Tellon) and Argus Filch (Paul Whitehouse).
HBO has just confirmed the first 6 cast members for the ‘HARRY POTTER’ TV series:
• Nick Frost as Hagrid
• John Lithgow as Dumbledore
• Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
• Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
• Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
• Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall pic.twitter.com/RlsQ78N5bh— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 14, 2025
Lithgow, 79, has previously confirmed his role, noting that the decision to make the deal was not easy for him, given that it «can determine the last chapter of his life». The showrunners plan to create at least one season for each of the seven books
«I’ll be about 87 years old at the end of the series, but I said yes,» joked Lithgow.
Choice Essieda for the role of Snape, played by the late Alan Rickman in the films, instead caused a storm of emotions among fans, and until the last, many hoped that the rumors would be false.
No actors have yet been cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione or any other wizarding school students. Last year, HBO reported that 32,000 children auditioned for the program.
«We haven’t made the final choice yet, but we held hearings with a shortlist in January. And there are some leaders,» said director Mark Milod.
Milod («Game of Thrones») will direct several episodes, Francesca Gardiner is the project’s screenwriter, and J.K. Rowling is involved in the project as an executive producer. The first season of the Harry Potter series is scheduled for release in 2027.
Earlier, Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the films,expressed interest in playing the headmaster of Hogwarts and Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) suggested that Cillian Murphy would have done a good job with his role in the series.
