HBO has officially announced the first major cast members for its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, set to begin filming this summer. The initial lineup features acclaimed actors stepping into the iconic roles of Hogwarts professors and staff, promising a fresh yet faithful retelling of the beloved wizarding saga.
The confirmed principal cast includes:
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts. Lithgow, a six-time Emmy winner and two-time Tony Award recipient, takes over the role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the film series.
- Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, the stern but caring Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration professor, a role famously portrayed by Maggie Smith.
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, the complex Potions Master and later Headmaster, originally brought to life by Alan Rickman. Essiedu is known for his acclaimed performances in I May Destroy You and stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle half-giant Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, a character beloved from the films by Robbie Coltrane.
- Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell, the nervous Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher from the first book.
- Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, the cantankerous caretaker of Hogwarts, who also appeared in the original films as Sir Cadogan.
The casting announcement comes after an extensive open call for the lead roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, targeting young actors aged 9 to 11. These central roles remain uncast publicly, with thousands of hopefuls auditioning across the UK and Ireland.
Francesca Gardiner, the showrunner and executive producer, expressed excitement about the cast, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome such remarkable talent to bring these cherished characters to life.” Mark Mylod, who will direct several episodes and also serve as executive producer, echoed this enthusiasm.
The series aims to adapt the *Harry Potter* books over a decade, allowing for a deeper exploration of the storylines and characters than the original films. Casey Bloys, HBO & Max Content’s CEO, highlighted the opportunity to tell “more elaborate stories in ways that have never been seen before,” appealing both to longtime fans and a new generation.
Filming will take place at Leavesden Studios near London, the same location used for the original movies and the Harry Potter Studio Tour. While the release date has not been announced, the first season is expected to premiere as early as 2026.
This new adaptation marks a significant expansion of the Harry Potter universe on screen, with a stellar cast poised to reimagine Hogwarts’ magical world for television audiences worldwide.