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

Exciting news for Harry Potter fans: the HBO Harry Potter TV series has just announced its first six cast members! While we eagerly await the casting of iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we're thrilled to share who will be bringing to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others in this fresh adaptation of the beloved saga.

Read on to discover the confirmed cast members for this new take on the magical world of Harry Potter, and find out which major characters are still waiting 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 chosen to portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in history, Dumbledore plays a pivotal role in guiding Harry Potter through his journey. His backstory, intertwined with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, adds depth to his character.

Lithgow's extensive portfolio includes memorable performances 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 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. Toby Regbo and Jude Law played younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

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

Janet McTeer, acclaimed with a Tony Award and a Golden Globe, will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. A stalwart figure at Hogwarts, McGonagall serves as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, first introduced to us in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" alongside Dumbledore.

McTeer's notable works 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 brought the character to life in the original series, with Fiona Glascott portraying 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 play Severus Snape, the complex and enigmatic Potions professor at Hogwarts. As the head of Slytherin, Snape's intricate relationships with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, drive much of the series' drama.

Essiedu has showcased his talent 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 famously 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 embody Rubeus Hagrid, the lovable half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him into the wizarding world makes him a cherished friend to the young wizard.

Frost is best known for his comedic roles in "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 played Hagrid, with Martin Bayfield portraying 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 rising star, has appeared in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."

Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart brought the character to life.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

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

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the stern caretaker of Hogwarts, often accompanied by 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 the character.

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 on the Harry Potter universe, 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 get our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.