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

We've reached an exciting milestone with the HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have been officially unveiled. While we eagerly await announcements on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now know who will breathe life into the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others. Let's dive into who has been confirmed for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter saga and who remains yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes

The renowned six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards of all time, Dumbledore plays a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter and boasts a complex backstory involving his tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard.

Lithgow's impressive career 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," among many others.

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 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 Crowley

Tony Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished figure at Hogwarts as the head of Gryffindor and the deputy headmistress. McGonagall is one of the first characters introduced in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," where she assists Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer's notable works include "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," and "Sorry for Your Loss," to name a few.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith portrayed McGonagall in the original series, and Fiona Glascott played her in the "Fantastic Beasts" series.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu steps into the complex role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic professor of Potions and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate relationship with Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character, making him one of the most pivotal figures in the series.

Essiedu has previously starred 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 portrayed Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing his teenage and child versions, respectively.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone

Nick Frost will take on the beloved role of Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid is instrumental in Harry's journey, rescuing him from the Dursleys and becoming one of his closest friends.

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 portrayed Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield playing the young version.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp

Luke Thallon has been cast as 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 Marsland

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse is set to play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse is recognized for his work 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 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 HBO's reboot, and discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter series.