HBO Confirms Cast for ‘Harry Potter’ Series: Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Hagrid & More Revealed

The magic is finally taking shape. HBO has officially announced the first round of casting for its highly anticipated Harry Potter television series — and the names already have fans buzzing.

Legendary actor John Lithgow will step into the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore, bringing gravitas and warmth to the beloved headmaster. Janet McTeer has been cast as Minerva McGonagall, a casting choice already being praised for its power and poise. Paapa Essiedu, known for his intensity in I May Destroy You, will take on the complex role of Severus Snape, while Nick Frost — bringing heart and humor — will portray Rubeus Hagrid.

Additional casting includes Luke Thallon as the nervous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse in the role of the grumpy caretaker, Argus Filch.

Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod are helming the series, which is being described as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s original books — with each season expected to explore one book in depth. HBO is aiming to bring the world of Hogwarts to a new generation, while still honoring the spirit and tone of the original.

While the leads — Harry, Ron, and Hermione — have yet to be revealed, HBO held a massive open casting call last fall, receiving over 30,000 submissions. The series begins filming this summer.

With production backed by Warner Bros. and Brontë Film and TV, and Rowling herself serving as an executive producer, this reboot of the Wizarding World is shaping up to be one of HBO’s most ambitious undertakings. It’s not just a remake. It’s a reimagining — one that promises to explore every magical corner of the world we thought we knew.