HBO has officially unveiled the first wave of casting for its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in 2026. (Book from the collection of Candace & Chuck Jordan)
HBO has officially unveiled the first wave of casting for its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in 2026. The new adaptation promises a more faithful and detailed retelling of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, with each season covering one novel from the seven-part saga.
Harry Potter cast: John Lithgow, Janet Mcteer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse. (Photo courtesy HBO press)
Leading the magical reboot is Emmy and Tony winner John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, bringing gravitas and warmth to the role of Hogwarts’ beloved headmaster. Rising British actor Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, promising a complex and emotionally resonant take on the tormented potions master. Janet McTeer steps into the role of Minerva McGonagall, delivering the commanding presence required for the Transfiguration professor and deputy headmistress.
In a fan-favorite casting, Nick Frost will bring life to the half-giant gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, adding a blend of humor and heart. Luke Thallon, known for his critically acclaimed stage work, will take on the role of the stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Quirinus Quirrell. Veteran actor Paul Whitehouse has also joined the ensemble as Hogwarts’ cantankerous caretaker, Argus Filch.
The series is produced by HBO in partnership with Warner Bros. Television and will be available to stream on Max. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner, known for His Dark Materials and Killing Eve, is set to guide the project creatively with Succession director Mark Mylod helming several episodes. J.K. Rowling will serve as executive producer to ensure the story remains true to its roots.
Casting for the iconic trio — Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley — is still underway. With over 32,000 children reportedly auditioning for the lead roles, the search continues to find the perfect young actors to carry the magical legacy forward.
Production will begin in summer 2025 at the original Harry Potter film location, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. As the series begins to take shape, fans can expect a return to the wizarding world filled with both nostalgia and fresh enchantment.
Sources: BBC News; Variety; The New York Times; USA Today
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