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

We've hit a significant milestone in the eagerly anticipated HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have been unveiled. While fans eagerly await announcements on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we're excited to share who will be bringing to life the roles of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and other beloved figures.

Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast members for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter universe, as well as the characters yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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

The esteemed six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore is renowned as one of the most powerful wizards in the series and played a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory is rich, featuring a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later became one of the universe's most formidable dark wizards.

John Lithgow is celebrated for his roles in series and films like 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 others.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed him in Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. 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 deputy headmistress under Dumbledore, McGonagall is a character introduced early in the series, notably during the delivery of 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, among others.

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

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

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

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will step into the complex role of Severus Snape, Hogwarts' Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's deep connection to Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, adds layers to his character, making him a challenging yet fascinating presence in the series.

Essiedu has made a name for himself in projects like 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, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

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

Nick Frost will take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a crucial role in Harry's journey, from rescuing him from the Dursleys to becoming one of his closest friends.

Frost is well-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, with Martin Bayfield as the young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

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

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

Thallon, a relatively new face in acting, has appeared in The Favourite and Present Laughter.

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

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland

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

Whitehouse's notable works include 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.

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.