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

The highly anticipated HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached an exciting milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. While we eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others have now been filled. Dive into the details below to discover who has been confirmed for these pivotal roles and which major characters are 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. Dumbledore, known as one of the most powerful wizards, plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His complex past involves a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard. Lithgow's extensive acting portfolio includes 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."

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," followed by Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. Younger versions of Dumbledore were portrayed 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, a beloved Hogwarts faculty member, head of Gryffindor, and deputy headmistress. McGonagall is introduced early in the series, notably in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," where she assists Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys. McTeer's notable works 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 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 intricate history with Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character, making him a challenging presence for Harry. Essiedu's previous roles include "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, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing younger versions of Snape.

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 Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid plays a pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him into the wizarding world, becoming one of Harry's closest allies. Frost is renowned 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, 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. Thallon, a rising star, has appeared in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."

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 winner Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris. Whitehouse is known for "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.

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.