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 news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now know who will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others in this fresh adaptation.

Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast members for this new take on the Harry Potter saga and learn which key roles remain unfilled.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, will portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore played a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter and had a complex past involving Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard. Lithgow's extensive career includes notable 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," and Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. Younger versions were portrayed by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Tony Award and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, a beloved figure at Hogwarts as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress. She first appears in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys. McTeer's past roles 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" films.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin at Hogwarts. Snape's intricate history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character. Essiedu has appeared in "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 younger versions of Snape.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost will take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid played a pivotal role in Harry's life, rescuing him from the Dursleys and guiding him into the magical world. 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, with Martin Bayfield portraying the young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon will portray 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

BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will play 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:

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 get our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.