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

The HBO Harry Potter TV series has hit a significant milestone with the announcement of its first six cast members. While we eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, the initial lineup of actors for key roles such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more has been unveiled.

Read on to discover the confirmed cast for this new interpretation of the Harry Potter saga and learn which major characters are yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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

John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore plays a crucial role in mentoring Harry Potter and has a complex history involving Gellert Grindelwald, a formidable dark wizard.

Lithgow's illustrious 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 "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over for the remainder of the series. Toby Regbo and Jude Law have also played younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley

Janet McTeer, a Tony and Golden Globe Award winner, will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, McGonagall is a cherished figure at Hogwarts, first introduced in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" alongside Dumbledore when delivering Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer's notable performances 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 portrayed McGonagall 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 Crafer

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu is set to portray Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate past with Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, makes him a pivotal and challenging character throughout the series.

Essiedu's previous roles include "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 played Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke appearing as the teenage and child versions, respectively.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

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

Nick Frost will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid is instrumental in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts, eventually becoming one of Harry's closest friends.

Frost is renowned for his comedic roles in films like "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 Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

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

Luke Thallon takes on the role of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts.

Thallon, a rising star, has previously 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 will play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse is best known 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 played 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, the producing duo that will be leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.