The Wizarding World returns with a star-studded cast.
The upcoming Harry Potter TV series from HBO just dropped its first major casting news, and the magic is already in the air. Over 30,000 hopefuls auditioned to play Harry, Ron, and Hermione. But now, it’s the professors and staff who are stepping into the spotlight.
Here’s your first look at the spellbinding cast bringing J.K. Rowling’s world to life once more.
Main Cast Revealed
Big names. Bigger expectations.
| Character | Actor | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow | The Crown, Dexter, Conclave |
| Severus Snape | Paapa Essiedu | I May Destroy You, Gangs of London |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost | Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz |
| Minerva McGonagall | Janet McTeer | Ozark, Jessica Jones, The Menu |
| Quirinus Quirrell | Luke Thallon | Leopoldstadt, The Inheritance |
| Argus Filch | Paul Whitehouse | The Fast Show, Only Fools and Horses |
John Lithgow Cast as Dumbledore
A towering wizard meets a towering talent.
Emmy and Tony-winning actor John Lithgow takes on the iconic role of Hogwarts’ beloved headmaster. Following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, Lithgow calls the role “a defining one for the final chapter of my career.” With gravitas and warmth, he’s poised to bring fresh depth to Dumbledore’s wisdom and mystery.
Paapa Essiedu Steps Into Snape’s Shadow
A bold, brilliant choice.
Essiedu brings RSC pedigree and TV stardom to Severus Snape, a role made legendary by Alan Rickman. His casting marks a significant shift—and a statement. Director Mark Mylod put it best: “Nobody can replace Alan Rickman, but we can find the next Alan Rickman.”
Expect a Snape layered with tragedy, loyalty, and darkness.
Nick Frost as Hagrid
A gentle giant with a big heart—and big boots to fill.
British comedy favourite Nick Frost takes on the role of everyone’s favourite half-giant. His tribute to the late Robbie Coltrane was simple and moving: “Robbie, I won’t let you down.” Frost’s natural warmth and physicality make him a strong fit for Hagrid’s kindness and comic timing.
Janet McTeer Brings McGonagall to Life
From stage royalty to Hogwarts royalty.
Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer takes over as Transfiguration professor and Gryffindor head, Minerva McGonagall. Best known for Ozark, Tumbleweeds, and The Menu, McTeer adds stern elegance and steel to one of the series’ most beloved characters.
She reportedly beat out contenders like Rachel Weisz and Sharon Horgan.
Paul Whitehouse Cast as Filch
One caretaker. Zero patience.
Veteran comic actor Paul Whitehouse steps in as the cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch. Notably, he also appeared in the original films—as Sir Cadogan in Prisoner of Azkaban. With his darkly comic edge, Whitehouse promises to make Filch as irritable (and oddly endearing) as ever.
Luke Thallon as Quirrell
A more nuanced take on the series’ first villain.
Thallon brings a theatre-trained subtlety to Professor Quirrell. Best known for his West End turns in Leopoldstadt and The Inheritance, he’ll portray a Quirrell who’s less slapstick, more tragic. According to showrunner Francesca Gardiner: “He’s a man manipulated—not just malevolent.”
Expect a deeper dive into his descent from timid scholar to Voldemort’s first host.
Who Are Argus Filch and Quirinus Quirrell?
Two underrated characters. Two very different kinds of trouble.
Not every Hogwarts staff member is a magical mentor. Some are just… memorable.
Argus Filch
Hogwarts’ notoriously bitter caretaker, Argus Filch, is a Squib—born into a wizarding family but with no magical powers. Resentful, nosy, and constantly at odds with students, Filch is obsessed with discipline and his cat, Mrs. Norris.
- House: None (he never attended Hogwarts)
- Personality: Grumpy, vengeful, rule-obsessed
- Iconic moment: Hanging chains in the dungeons, hoping to bring back old-school punishments
- Fun fact: He tries to learn magic via a correspondence course—with very little success
Quirinus Quirrell
Professor Quirrell is the stammering Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Philosopher’s Stone, hiding Lord Voldemort under his turban.
- House: Ravenclaw
- Personality: Timid, bookish… and ultimately corrupted
- Iconic moment: Unwrapping his turban to reveal Voldemort
- Fun fact: His backstory includes a failed Albania expedition, where he was possessed by the Dark Lord
This series promises to give both characters more psychological complexity and screen time than the films ever did.
Production Timeline & Release Date
It’s a long game—and HBO’s playing it smart.
- Filming begins: Summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (the same studio used for the original films)
- Release window: 2027 (delayed from 2026 to ensure quality and address age concerns for the child cast)
- Structure: 7 seasons, each adapting one book
- Platform: Max (formerly HBO Max)
HBO has described the show as a “10-year experience,” aiming to offer a faithful, long-form adaptation of the books with room for deeper detail and development.
What This Means for Fans
New faces. Old magic. High hopes.
This reboot walks a tightrope: honouring what came before while reimagining the world for new audiences. With a decade-long plan, HBO isn’t just remaking Harry Potter—they’re rebuilding it from the ground up.
Whether you’re excited, anxious, or cautiously optimistic, one thing’s certain: the Wizarding World is about to evolve.
HBO’s Harry Potter series is shaping up to be its most ambitious fantasy project since Game of Thrones. The bold casting decisions, long-form structure, and return to Leavesden Studios show a deep respect for the franchise’s roots—and a bold willingness to evolve.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, 2027 is looking more magical by the minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Harry Potter TV series premiere?
The series is now slated for a 2027 debut, after originally being planned for 2026. The delay is meant to ensure quality and account for casting child actors over multiple years.
Who’s been cast in key roles?
So far, HBO has confirmed John Lithgow (Dumbledore), Paapa Essiedu (Snape), Nick Frost (Hagrid), Janet McTeer (McGonagall), Luke Thallon (Quirrell), and Paul Whitehouse (Filch).
How many seasons will the show have?
Seven seasons, each corresponding to one of J.K. Rowling’s seven original novels.
Where is it being filmed?
At Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire—the same studio used for all eight original films.
Are the original actors returning?
No. This is a full reboot with an all-new cast and creative team.
