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

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 casting of iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, we now know who will portray beloved figures such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and Severus Snape, among others.

Continue reading to discover the confirmed cast members for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, as well as the major characters yet to be announced.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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

Six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner John Lithgow has been chosen to portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in history, Dumbledore plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory is equally compelling, involving a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later becomes a formidable dark wizard.

Lithgow's illustrious career includes standout roles 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," to name a few.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in "Sorcerer’s Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," followed by Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. Younger versions of the character were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

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

Tony Award and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. A cherished member of the Hogwarts faculty, McGonagall serves as the head of Gryffindor and the deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. She is introduced early in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" as she assists Dumbledore in delivering Harry 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 portrayed McGonagall in the original series, with Fiona Glascott playing the character 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 step into the complex role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor at Hogwarts and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily Potter, makes him a pivotal and challenging character throughout the series.

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 famously portrayed Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing younger versions of the character.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

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

Nick Frost will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid is instrumental in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts, becoming one of Harry’s closest friends.

Frost is celebrated for his comedic roles in films like "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 portrayed Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield playing the younger version.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

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

Luke Thallon will play Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts.

Thallon is a rising star with roles in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."

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

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

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

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch, the 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 portrayed Filch.

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 insights, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, learn about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and follow our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.