Revelio!
HBO has finally announced the adult cast of its Harry Potter TV series.
After months of media rumors and reports of various castings — all previously unconfirmed by HBO — the company broke its silence on the matter to announce six actors for the core adult roles of its adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels.
As expected, Emmy winner John Lithgow (Conclave) will take on the critical role of Hogwarts’ wise and warm Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Oscar nominee Janet McTeer (Ozark) will take on the role of stern Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall.
And as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror) will take on the role of the sneering Potions Professor Severus Snape.
Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) will play the lumbering Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
All four will serve as series regulars in the show.
In addition, stage actor Luke Thallon will play Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrel and Paul Whitehouse (Harry & Paul) has been cast as the curmudgeonly caretaker Argus Filch.
John Lithgow (credit Jessica Howes), Janet McTeer (credit Andrew Crowley), Paapa Essiedu (credit Ruth Crafer), Nick Frost (credit Lee Malone), Luke Thallon (credit Phil Sharp) and Paul Whitehouse (credit Mike Marsland)
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer.
Lithgow has previously confirmed he’d accepted the role, telling one outlet, “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Essiedu’s casting has caused a stir among some fans as Snape has traditionally been viewed as a white character, famously portrayed the late Alan Rickman in the Warner Bros. film series. Mylod has said, “Nobody can replace Alan Rickman, but we can find the next Alan Rickman.”
HBO’s plan is to adapt each of Rowling’s seven novels into a season of television.
No child stars for the equally critical roles of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco have yet been cast. Given the characters are only 11 years old in the first book — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — it would make sense to cast the roles as close to the start of production as possible. Last year, HBO said it expected to begin filming in mid-2025 and that 32,000 children had auditioned for the young roles, with a team viewing between 500 and 1,000 auditions per day.
“We haven’t made any final choices, but we’re workshopping with a shortlist in January. And there are some crackers,” Mylod has said, adding that they want to focus on “the cream of British acting talent, this incredible tradition of brilliant theater actors, and, of course, we’re following the books with the canonical casting.”
HBO also rereleased a statement about the adaptation and its place in the Harry Potter universe: “The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling and will feature an exciting and talented cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years. Exploring every corner of the wizarding world, each season will bring Harry Potter and its incredible adventures to new and existing audiences and will stream exclusively on Max where it’s available globally, including upcoming markets such as Turkey, the U.K., Germany and Italy, among others. The original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch around the world.”
HBO boss Casey Bloys previously addressed the controversies surrounding Rowling, who has frequently faced criticism for her anti-transgender sentiments. “I’m totally comfortable with it, and I’m not worried about it,” Bloys said. “Look at the huge success of the Hogwarts video game last year. I’m not concerned about consumer response.”
The series is executive produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
