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

The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached a thrilling milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. Although fans are still eagerly awaiting news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort, the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others have been filled, promising a fresh take on the beloved saga.

Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast members for this new adaptation, as well as the major characters who have yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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 in history, Dumbledore plays a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His complex past involves a tumultuous relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later becomes a formidable dark wizard.

John Lithgow is celebrated for his 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," "Interstellar," and many more.

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 on the role for the rest of the series. Younger versions of the character were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Tony Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall. As head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore, McGonagall is a cherished figure at Hogwarts and one of the first characters we encounter in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," joining Dumbledore to deliver Harry to the Dursleys.

Janet McTeer's notable roles include "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," and "Sorry for Your Loss," among others.

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

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

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

Paapa Essiedu has appeared in "I May Destroy You," "The Outrun," "Black Mirror," "Men," "The Lazarus Project," "Gangs of London," and more.

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 will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid is instrumental in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and initiating his magical journey, eventually becoming one of Harry's closest friends.

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

Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane played Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield portraying the young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

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

A rising star, Luke Thallon has been seen in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."

Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart portrayed Quirrell.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

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

Paul Whitehouse is known for his work in "The Fast Show," "Harry & Paul," "The Death of Stalin," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," "Corpse Bride," "Alice in Wonderland," and more.

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 the charge on HBO’s reboot, and discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.