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

We've reached an exciting milestone with the HBO Harry Potter TV series as the first six cast members have been revealed. Although we're still eagerly awaiting announcements for key roles like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, the casting of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more has already set the stage for this new adaptation.

Read on to discover who has been officially confirmed for this fresh take on the Harry Potter universe, as well as who is yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow 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. Known as one of the most powerful wizards of all time, Dumbledore plays a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory, which includes a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, adds depth to his character.

Lithgow's impressive resume includes starring 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 in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets and Michael Gambon in the rest of the original series; Toby Regbo and Jude Law have also portrayed younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

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

Tony Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, a beloved Hogwarts figure who heads Gryffindor and serves as the deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. She is introduced early in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as she assists Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.

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

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

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, the Potions professor at Hogwarts and head of Slytherin. His deep connections to Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, make him a central figure in the series.

Essiedu's previous work includes 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, with Alec Hopkins as teenage Snape and Benedict Clarke as the child version.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

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

Nick Frost will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the cherished half-giant who serves as Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper. Hagrid's role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him to Hogwarts marks the beginning of their enduring friendship.

Frost's comedic background shines through 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, with Martin Bayfield portraying 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 relative newcomer, 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 play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.

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.

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, check out 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.