Wands at the ready—HBO just confirmed the first wave of iconic Hogwarts staff for its upcoming Harry Potter reboot, and the casting choices are pure magic.
If you’ve been wondering who’s stepping into the legendary shoes of Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Hagrid, and more—your wait is over. The HBO Harry Potter series cast is shaping up to be a spellbinding mix of legendary talent and rising stars.
Meet the HBO Harry Potter Series Cast: Who’s Playing Who at Hogwarts
Full Breakdown of the Confirmed HBO Harry Potter Series Cast
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Albus Dumbledore – John Lithgow
You know him from The Crown and Dexter, and now John Lithgow takes on the role of Hogwarts’ wise and whimsical headmaster.
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Minerva McGonagall – Janet McTeer
With powerhouse performances in The White Queen and Ozark, McTeer is set to embody McGonagall’s sharp wit and steely presence.
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Severus Snape – Paapa Essiedu
Essiedu, praised for his role in I May Destroy You, brings fresh intensity to one of the most layered characters in the wizarding world.
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Rubeus Hagrid – Nick Frost
Known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Frost will surely add both heart and humor to the beloved gamekeeper.
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Quirinus Quirrell – Luke Thallon (Recurring Role)
A rising star of the stage, Thallon brings his theatrical flair to the nervous but mysterious Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. -
Argus Filch – Paul Whitehouse (Recurring Role)
Comedy veteran Whitehouse steps into the role of Hogwarts’ cantankerous caretaker.
What HBO Says About the Cast
Executive producers Francesca Gardiner (also the showrunner) and Mark Mylod (director of multiple episodes) are thrilled with the casting lineup.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard,” they shared. “We can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
That’s some serious confidence—and honestly, it’s easy to see why.
What About Harry, Ron & Hermione?
While we have our Hogwarts staff sorted, the trio that started it all—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—haven’t been cast just yet. HBO reportedly received over 30,000 submissions from around the world after opening casting calls last fall.
The show is expected to start filming this summer, so those announcements may be right around the corner. (Fingers crossed!)
A “Faithful Adaptation” of the Books
HBO is promising a truly faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling books. Each season will focus on one book, meaning fans can expect a deeper dive into the wizarding world like never before.
The show is a co-production between HBO, Warner Bros. Television, and Brontë Film and TV. J.K. Rowling herself is an executive producer, along with Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman (yes, the same Heyman who produced the original films).
Why Fans Are So Hyped
Let’s be real—rebooting Harry Potter is a bold move. But with a fresh cast, a deeper storytelling format, and HBO’s high production standards, the show has the potential to become a defining fantasy series for a new generation.
And now that key roles like Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, and Hagrid are officially cast? It’s starting to feel very real.
Quick Recap: HBO Harry Potter Series Cast (So Far)
| Character | Actor | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow | The Crown, Dexter |
| Minerva McGonagall | Janet McTeer | Ozark, The White Queen |
| Severus Snape | Paapa Essiedu | I May Destroy You |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost | Shaun of the Dead |
| Quirinus Quirrell | Luke Thallon | Leopoldstadt (Stage) |
| Argus Filch | Paul Whitehouse | The Fast Show |
FAQs About the HBO Harry Potter Series Cast
Who is playing Dumbledore in the HBO Harry Potter series?
The legendary John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore in the HBO reboot.
Is Snape confirmed in the HBO Harry Potter cast?
Yes! Paapa Essiedu has officially been cast as Severus Snape.
Who’s playing McGonagall?
Janet McTeer is taking on the role of Minerva McGonagall.
Has the trio (Harry, Ron, Hermione) been cast yet?
Not yet! Casting is still underway for the main trio, with filming set to begin in summer 2025.
Will the HBO series follow the books more closely than the movies?
Yes. HBO describes the show as a faithful adaptation, with each season covering one book in depth.
⚡ Final Thoughts
The new HBO Harry Potter series cast is already making waves—and we’ve only seen the beginning. With top-tier actors bringing depth and gravitas to fan-favorite characters, and HBO’s commitment to storytelling, this series has the potential to recapture the magic in an all-new way.
Stay tuned—because Hogwarts is coming back, and it’s going to be epic. ✨
While HBO builds the next generation of Hogwarts, let’s not forget the OG stars. Here are 10 little-known facts about Bonnie Wright, our original Ginny Weasley.
