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 reveal of actors for key roles such as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, we now know who will be portraying iconic figures like Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others.

Read on to discover the confirmed cast members for this fresh adaptation of the beloved series, and find out which major characters are yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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

The role of Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts and one of the most powerful wizards in the Harry Potter universe, will be portrayed by the six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor, John Lithgow. Dumbledore's mentorship of Harry Potter and his complex history with Gellert Grindelwald add layers to his character. Lithgow, known for his versatile 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," brings a wealth of experience to this iconic role.

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 in younger incarnations.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

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

Tony Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. McGonagall's early interactions with Harry, including her part in delivering him to the Dursleys, make her a memorable character from the start. McTeer's previous roles in "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," and "Sorry for Your Loss" showcase her ability to bring depth to this beloved character.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original films 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 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, adds significant depth to the series. Essiedu's performances in "I May Destroy You," "The Outrun," "Black Mirror," "Men," "The Lazarus Project," and "Gangs of London" have prepared him well for this challenging role.

Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins as teenage Snape and Benedict Clarke as the child version.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

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

Nick Frost will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts sets the stage for their enduring friendship. Frost's comedic talents, showcased in "Shaun of the Dead," "Skeleton Crew," "The World’s End," "Hot Fuzz," and "Attack the Block," will bring a unique charm to Hagrid's character.

Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield as 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 roles in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter" signal his potential to bring fresh energy to this pivotal 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 is set to portray Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts, often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris. Whitehouse's extensive experience in "The Fast Show," "Harry & Paul," "The Death of Stalin," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," "Corpse Bride," and "Alice in Wonderland" will add a distinctive flair to Filch's character.

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

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

The list of major characters yet to be cast includes Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Lord Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Dolores Umbridge, Alastor Moody, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Fred and George Weasley, Arthur and Molly Weasley, James and Lily Potter, Bellatrix Lestrange, Neville Longbottom, Cedric Diggory, Dudley, Petunia, and 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 discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.