HBO has officially revealed the first six actors joining its upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, offering the first glimpse into how the new take on J.K. Rowling’s beloved fantasy series is beginning to take shape.
The casting choices are already stirring conversation across the fandom.
Legendary actor John Lithgow will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu has been cast as Severus Snape.
Janet McTeer is stepping into the shoes of Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost is set to play the gentle half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.
These four will be series regulars.
Two other characters will make guest and recurring appearances — Luke Thallon will portray Professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch.
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As expected, the casting announcement sparked immediate reactions online. Some longtime fans are still grappling with the idea of a new cast stepping into roles made famous by the original films.
Others, however, are excited by the opportunity for a more faithful and in-depth adaptation of the books, and new interpretations of familiar characters.
There has already been discussion around some casting rumors, particularly regarding Paapa Essiedu as Snape — a character famously described in the books as having “greasy, shoulder-length black hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin.”
Some fans also raised eyebrows at the casting of an American, John Lithgow, as the traditionally British Dumbledore.
As for the trio at the heart of the story — Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley — casting is still under wraps.
Warner Bros launched an open call last fall for children aged 9 to 11, indicating that the series will likely feature newcomers in these lead roles.
Rumors are also swirling that Cillian Murphy is being eyed to play Lord Voldemort, though nothing has been confirmed.
HBO says the series will be a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s original seven-book saga
. The author herself is attached as an executive producer. The aim is to give fans more detail than the original eight films ever could — exploring subplots, characters, and magical lore that didn’t make it to the big screen.
According to Max, the rebranded HBO streaming service, the show will be “full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.”
The new series is set to debut in 2026, marking nearly 30 years since the first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in 1997, and 15 years since the release of the final film.
Whether you’re eager for a fresh take or hesitant to let go of the old one, this new chapter in the Harry Potter universe is officially underway.