Everything To Know About the Cast of HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series
Harry Potter and the gang are coming back… to HBO. Chances are, you're a fan of J.K. Rowling's iconic wizarding series, since, according to the author's website, the books have been written in 85 languages and more than 600 million copies have been sold globally. Harry Potter has become "the best-selling book series in history." (Let's be honest: Growing up, we all anxiously awaited for our Hogwarts acceptance letter to be delivered via owl.)
Break out your broomsticks, because the franchise is officially coming to HBO in 2026, delivering a brand new Harry Potter series and cast. Several notable names are attached to the magical project, including John Lithgow, who will portray Dumbledore; Janet McTeer as McGonagall; and Nick Frost as the new Hagrid.
Here's everything to know about the confirmed cast members of the new Harry Potter series on HBO.
1. John Lithgow
Ah, the iconic Albus Dumbledore. These are incredibly big shoes for actor John Lithgow to fill. (And don't get us started on his majestic cloaks!)
During the original series Dumbledore serves as the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, Transfiguration Professor, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. That is quite the real-day LinkedIn profile.
John Lithgow, an award-winning actor, has been a major player in his own career. He's starred in The Old Man, Conclave, and 3rd Rock from the Sun. John also portrayed Winston Churchill in the first three seasons of The Crown and secured an Emmy for his role as the Trinity Killer on Dexter.
It's clear that John is a busy actor, but made a great decision to be part of HBO's Harry Potter. As Dumbledore (aka J.K. Rowling) once said, "It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
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2. Janet McTeer
Professor Minerva McGonagall, a Scottish half-blood witch, will be portrayed by Janet McTeer. The actress also has a role in The Final Reckoning, the upcoming Mission Impossible film.
Minerva is the head of Gryffindor House and the transfiguration professor. She's known for being stern, but mostly everyone learns from and admires the strictest of teachers. The wise professor once said, "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
We look forward to seeing Janet's take on the legendary professor!
3. Paapa Essiedu
Paapa Essiedu is set to play the villainous professor, Severus Snape. Paapa began his career onstage as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The actor's breakout screen role was the 2020 series, I May Destroy You, which earned him Emmy and BAFTA nominations. He also was a cast member on the series The Lazarus Project and appeared on Black Mirror.
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4. Nick Frost
The teddy bear-like Rubeus Hagrid who fans know and love will be portrayed by actor, writer, and comedian, Nick Frost. He's best known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg, most notably the Three Flavours Cornetto films. Nick will also appear in the live-action version of How To Train Your Dragon, which is scheduled for release in June 2025.
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5. Luke Thallon
Luke Thallon will portray Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter series, which is sure to be iconic. Luke is mostly known as a stage and theater actor; he channeled Roman Abramovich in the play Patriots. The star also appeared in Hamlet in the RSC's production and secured the Clarence Derwent Award for captivating audiences in Tom Stoppard's Leopoldstadt.
6. Paul Whitehouse
Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch in the upcoming HBO series. Paul is no stranger to TV, as he stars in the British comedy drama The Change. Paul also starred and co-created the sketch comedy series, Harry & Paul, alongside Harry Enfield.
