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

The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached an exciting milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. While fans eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have the pleasure of knowing who will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and other beloved figures from the wizarding world.

Read on to discover the confirmed cast members and learn about the major characters yet to be cast.

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, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter and has a complex past involving Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard. Lithgow's extensive career includes standout performances 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.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, while Michael Gambon took over the role for the remainder of the series. 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 and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. McGonagall is introduced early in the series, assisting 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 films, with Fiona Glascott taking on the role 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 intricate relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character. 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 played Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying 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 and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a pivotal role in Harry's journey, rescuing him from the Dursleys and becoming one of his closest friends. Frost is known for his comedic roles in 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 young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

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

Luke Thallon will take on the role of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts. Thallon, a rising star, has appeared 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 winner Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts, 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:

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 HBO's reboot, and discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter series.