HBO's Harry Potter Reboot: Confirmed Cast and Characters

Exciting news for Harry Potter fans! The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached a significant milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. While we eagerly await the reveal of who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now know who will be bringing to life the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more. Let's dive into the confirmed cast and see who's set to enchant us with their performances.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes

John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in the wizarding world, Dumbledore played a pivotal role as Harry Potter's mentor. His backstory, entwined with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, adds depth to his character. Lithgow, celebrated for his roles in "3rd Rock From the Sun," "Dexter," "The Crown," "Shrek," and many more, is sure to bring a nuanced portrayal to this iconic figure.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," Michael Gambon in the subsequent films, and Toby Regbo and Jude Law as younger versions.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley

Janet McTeer, a Tony and Golden Globe Award winner, has been cast as Professor Minerva McGonagall. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, McGonagall is a beloved figure at Hogwarts, first introduced in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" when she and Dumbledore delivered Harry to the Dursleys. McTeer's previous work in "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," and "Ozark" promises a compelling performance in this pivotal role.

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

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, makes him one of the most intriguing characters in the series. Essiedu, known for his roles in "I May Destroy You," "Black Mirror," and "Gangs of London," is poised to bring a fresh perspective to this multifaceted character.

Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone

Nick Frost will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid is instrumental in Harry's journey, rescuing him from the Dursleys and becoming one of his closest friends. Frost's comedic background, including roles in "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and "The World's End," will add warmth and humor to Hagrid's character.

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

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp

Luke Thallon steps into the role of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts. As a newcomer to acting, Thallon's previous work in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter" showcases his potential to bring a fresh interpretation to this character.

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

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris. Known for his roles in "The Fast Show," "Harry & Paul," and "The Death of Stalin," Whitehouse is set to bring his unique flair to this quirky character.

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

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

• Harry Potter
• Ron Weasley
• Hermione Granger
• Lord Voldemort
• Draco Malfoy
• Sirius Black
• Remus Lupin
• Dolores Umbridge
• Alastor Moody
• Ginny Weasley
• Luna Lovegood
• Fred Weasley
• George Weasley
• Arthur Weasley
• Molly Weasley
• James Potter
• Lily Potter
• Bellatrix Lestrange
• Neville Longbottom
• Cedric Diggory
• Dudley Dursley
• Petunia Dursley
• 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 more, check out our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, the producing duo that will be leading the charge on HBO's reboot, and our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.