HBO has officially revealed the first cast members for its upcoming Harry Potter television series. The announcement marks a major milestone in the production. According to Variety, several key characters now have their confirmed actors. This includes some of the most iconic roles from the wizarding world.
John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer will take on the role of Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu joins the cast as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost will step into the role of Rubeus Hagrid. In addition, Luke Thallon will appear as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch.
Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the show’s executive producers, expressed their excitement about the new cast. “We’re thrilled to welcome such incredible talent,” they said. “We can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to life.” This announcement confirms the first wave of casting for the series. However, the lead roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione have yet to be finalized.
To find the trio, HBO launched an open casting call last fall. The response was overwhelming, with more than 30,000 submissions received. HBO plans to begin filming the series this summer, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner and writer. She is known for her acclaimed work on Succession and His Dark Materials. Mark Mylod, who will direct multiple episodes, has previously worked on Game of Thrones, Succession, and The Last of Us. Both creators bring a wealth of experience and several Emmy wins to the series. Gardiner also worked on Killing Eve and The Rook, while Mylod directed episodes of Shameless.
Originally developed for HBO Max, the series will now debut as an HBO original. This change aligns with Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader strategy to focus on premium content. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the move reflects the company’s efforts to strengthen its flagship programming.
A talented cast and visionary team aim to reimagine the magical world for a new generation through the Harry Potter TV series.
