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

Exciting news for Harry Potter fans: the HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached a significant milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. While we eagerly await the casting of iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others have now been filled.

Read on to discover who has been officially confirmed for this new adaptation of the Harry Potter saga, and which major characters are yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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 Harry Potter's mentor and has a complex history involving the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Lithgow's impressive resume 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 portrayed Dumbledore in "Sorcerer’s Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over the role for the rest of the series. Younger versions of the character were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer, a Tony and Golden Globe Award winner, will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. McGonagall, introduced early in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," is a beloved figure known for her strict yet fair nature. McTeer's previous 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 played McGonagall in the original series, with Fiona Glascott taking on the role in the "Fantastic Beasts" series.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu, an Emmy-nominated actor, will embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character. Essiedu's notable 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 portrayed Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing younger versions of the character.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid is instrumental in introducing Harry to the wizarding world and becomes one of his closest friends. Frost is well-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 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

BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse has been cast as Argus Filch, the strict 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 following major characters are 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.