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

We’ve reached a major milestone with the HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have officially been announced. While fans are still eagerly awaiting the reveal of actors for central roles like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now know who will portray iconic characters such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others.

Below is the full list of actors confirmed for this highly anticipated reimagining of the beloved franchise, along with details about their roles and what’s still to come.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes

Six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in history, Dumbledore plays a pivotal role in Harry Potter’s journey as a mentor and guide. His complex past—including a tragic connection with Gellert Grindelwald—adds depth to one of the series’ most enigmatic figures.

Lithgow brings a wealth of experience from standout roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, The Crown, Shrek, Interstellar, Footloose, Terms of Endearment, Perry Mason, and The Old Man.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the original 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 were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley

Tony and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Janet McTeer steps into the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, the strict yet compassionate Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House. As Deputy Headmistress under Dumbledore, McGonagall is one of the first magical figures seen in the story, helping deliver baby Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer’s extensive filmography includes Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Tumbleweeds, Ozark, Sorry for Your Loss, and The Old Man.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the original films?
Dame Maggie Smith brought the character to life in the main series, while Fiona Glascott portrayed a younger version in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu takes on the complex and pivotal role of Severus Snape, Hogwarts’ Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House. Snape’s layered relationship with Harry, Lily, and James Potter makes him one of the most compelling characters in the series—mysterious, stern, and ultimately heroic.

Essiedu has delivered powerful performances in I May Destroy You, Black Mirror, Men, The Lazarus Project, Gangs of London, and The Outrun.

Who played Severus Snape in the original films?
The late Alan Rickman immortalized the role across all eight films. Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portrayed younger versions of Snape in Deathly Hallows – Part 2 and Half-Blood Prince, respectively.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone

Comedic powerhouse Nick Frost stars as Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle half-giant and devoted Hogwarts gamekeeper. Hagrid is the one who introduces Harry to the wizarding world, rescuing him from the Dursleys and setting him on the path to Hogwarts. Loyal and warm-hearted, he becomes one of Harry’s closest allies.

Frost is best known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End, Attack the Block, and Skeleton Crew.

Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the original films?
Robbie Coltrane originated the role, with Martin Bayfield portraying the younger Hagrid in flashback scenes.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp

Rising talent Luke Thallon plays Quirinus Quirrell, the nervous and ill-fated Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. Though outwardly timid, Quirrell harbors a dark secret—Lord Voldemort himself is concealed on the back of his head.

Thallon is a relative newcomer, with previous appearances in The Favourite and Present Laughter.

Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the original films?
Ian Hart portrayed the character in Sorcerer’s Stone.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse takes on the role of Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts who patrols the castle halls with his loyal cat, Mrs. Norris. A constant thorn in the side of misbehaving students, Filch’s disdain for rule-breaking is matched only by his longing to perform magic—something he cannot do as a Squib.

Whitehouse is renowned for The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, The Death of Stalin, and voice roles in Corpse Bride and Alice in Wonderland.

Who played Argus Filch in the original films?
David Bradley brought the character to life with memorable grumpiness throughout the series.

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast

Casting for these pivotal roles is still underway, with global anticipation building for who will step into the shoes of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The search is reportedly focused on authenticity, diversity, and fresh talent to bring a new generation into the wizarding world.

For more, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters, the producing duo leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and our complete guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books. [ttpp]