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

We’ve reached an exciting milestone in the development of the HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have been officially revealed. While fans eagerly await announcements about who will portray iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, we now have confirmation on the actors set to bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and other beloved figures from the magical world.

Read on to discover who has been cast in this new adaptation of the Harry Potter saga and which major characters are still awaiting their actors.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesJohn Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known for his immense magical power and pivotal role in Harry Potter's journey, Dumbledore's backstory includes a complex relationship with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

Lithgow's extensive career includes standout performances 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 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, while Michael Gambon took over the role for the remainder of the series. Younger versions of the character were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew CrowleyJanet McTeer, a Tony Award and Golden Globe winner, will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall. A key figure at Hogwarts, McGonagall serves as the head of Gryffindor and the deputy headmistress, playing a crucial role from the very beginning when she helps deliver Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer's notable 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 brought McGonagall to life in the original series, with Fiona Glascott playing her in the Fantastic Beasts series.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferPaapa Essiedu, an Emmy-nominated actor, will embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character, making him a central figure in the series.

Essiedu's previous work includes 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 Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee MaloneNick Frost will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid's role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts is pivotal, and he remains one of Harry's closest allies.

Frost is known for his comedic roles in films such as 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 played Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield portraying his younger self.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil SharpLuke Thallon will step into 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

Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike MarslandBAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts known for his constant vigilance and his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse has starred in 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:

Harry PotterRon WeasleyHermione GrangerLord VoldemortDraco MalfoySirius BlackRemus LupinDolores UmbridgeAlastor MoodyGinny WeasleyLuna LovegoodFred WeasleyGeorge WeasleyArthur WeasleyMolly WeasleyJames PotterLily PotterBellatrix LestrangeNeville LongbottomCedric DiggoryDudley DursleyPetunia DursleyVernon DursleyLucius MalfoyCho ChangSeamus FinniganDean ThomasGilderoy LockhartDobbyNearly Headless NickMoaning MyrtleSybill TrelawneyFilius FlitwickAnd many more...

For more information, check out our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, details about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.