HBO Reveals First Cast for Upcoming Harry Potter TV Series Reboot

HBO has officially unveiled the first wave of casting for its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, giving fans a glimpse of the new faces set to reimagine some of the franchise’s most iconic roles. The reboot, which aims to offer a more detailed and faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, is being developed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, known for their work on Succession.

Legendary Cast Brings Fresh Energy

Leading the new ensemble is Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow, who will step into the role of Albus Dumbledore, the wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts. Lithgow takes over a character previously portrayed by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the film series.

British actor Paapa Essiedu, acclaimed for his performances in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, will portray Severus Snape. The complex Potions Master, once brought to life by Alan Rickman, is a pivotal character in the saga’s emotional arc.

Award-winning actress Janet McTeer is set to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, the strict yet compassionate Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor House, famously portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith in the films. Meanwhile, Nick Frost, known for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, takes on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, Hogwarts’ gentle half-giant groundskeeper.

Additional Roles and Supporting Cast

Also joining the cast are Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, both appearing in guest and recurring roles. These characters will be reintroduced with fresh interpretations, offering new dimensions while staying true to the books.

A Decade-Long Vision for the Series

The series is expected to run for over a decade and will stream on Max, the rebranded platform from HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery. According to the creative team, the adaptation will dive deeper into the plotlines, character arcs, and magical lore that were abbreviated in the film series.

Still Awaiting the Golden Trio

While the primary trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—has yet to be cast, HBO previously issued an open casting call for young actors between the ages of nine and eleven. These roles are expected to be filled by newcomers, aligning with the fresh-start philosophy behind the reboot. Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Cillian Murphy as a potential Voldemort.

Rowling’s Continued Involvement and Controversy

J.K. Rowling, who retains significant creative rights over the franchise, will serve as an executive producer. Her involvement has stirred controversy due to her public comments on gender identity, drawing criticism from some of the original film actors and fans. Nevertheless, her role remains central to the project’s development.

A New Chapter Begins in 2026

Set to premiere in 2026—nearly 30 years after the first book was published—the series promises to captivate a new generation of fans while offering longtime readers a more immersive and complete storytelling experience. HBO assures that the original films will remain accessible alongside this fresh adaptation.