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

The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached a significant milestone as the first six cast members have been unveiled. While fans eagerly await announcements for key roles like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, the initial casting for characters such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others has been confirmed. Dive in to discover who's been cast in this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, and who remains yet to be announced.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesJohn Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, has been chosen to portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore played a crucial role in mentoring Harry Potter and had a complex past with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

Lithgow's notable performances include 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, among many others.

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. Toby Regbo and Jude Law portrayed younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew CrowleyTony and Golden Globe Award winner Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. A beloved figure at Hogwarts, McGonagall serves as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, making her first appearance alongside Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer's previous roles include Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Tumbleweeds, The Old Man, Ozark, and Sorry for Your Loss, to name a few.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original series, with Fiona Glascott taking the role in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferEmmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will embody 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 throughout the series.

Essiedu's notable credits 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 portraying the teenage and child versions of Snape, respectively.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee MaloneNick Frost is set to play Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a pivotal role in Harry's journey, starting from rescuing him from the Dursleys to becoming one of his closest friends.

Frost is well-known 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 playing the young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil SharpLuke Thallon will portray Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts.

Thallon, a newcomer to the acting scene, 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 MarslandBAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse is known for his work in 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 PotterRon WeasleyHermione GrangerLord VoldemortDraco MalfoySirius BlackRemus LupinDolores UmbridgeAlastor MoodyGinny WeasleyLuna LovegoodFred WeasleyGeorge WeasleyArthur WeasleyMolly WeasleyJames PotterLily PotterBellatrix LestrangeNeville LongbottomCedric DiggoryDudley DursleyPetunia DursleyVernon DursleyLucius MalfoyCho ChangSeamus FinniganDean ThomasGilderoy LockhartDobbyNearly Headless NickMoaning MyrtleSybill TrelawneyFilius FlitwickAnd 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.