HBO's Harry Potter cast in full as first look at new Hagrid is revealed
Fans of Harry Potter have something magical to look forward to, as HBO has confirmed the production of a Harry Potter reboot with an impressive ensemble to bring our favourite wizarding world characters back to life.
Starring in the new adaptation based on J. K.Rowling's celebrated series will be Dominic McLaughlin, stepping into the iconic role of Harry Potter himself. McLaughlin snagged the part after producers cast their nets wide to find an actor who could embody the boy wizard.
Joining him are Alastair Stout as the loyal sidekick Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton, set to portray the brilliantly brainy Hermione Granger.
Back in May, executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod shared their enthusiasm over assembling such a stellar core group of young actors, reports the Express.
"The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen," they praised.
Every potential Harry was considered, with the producers extending their gratitude to the countless hopefuls who tried out.
"We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there."
As the wizarding excitement builds up, which other actors have conjured roles in this much-anticipated project?
Confirmed cast
The first take of the 11-year-old in his wizard robes was shared this week, signalling the start of production. Alongside the recognisable trio, HBO disclosed additional members joining the roster of familiar Hogwarts faces.
Rory Wilmot promises to bring Neville Longbottom to life, while viewers might be keen to spot him in Netflix's forthcoming series, Out of the Dust. Meanwhile, Amos Kitson joins the franchise as the infamous cousin Dudley Dursley.
Meanwhile, Harry's adoptive parents Petunia and Vernon Dursley will be played by The Diary of a Teenage Girl's Bel Powley and Flowers' Daniel Rigby.
Sherlock's Louise Brealey is set to portray Quidditch coach Madam Hooch, while Andor's Anton Lesser will take on the role of wandmaker Mr Ollivander.
Lesser, who previously appeared in Game of Thrones for HBO, has also had roles in The Crown, Wolf Hall and ITV's Endeavour.
Comedian Nick Frost is will play half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, with HBO already sharing snaps of him donning the unmistakable Hagrid costume. Frost is best known for his role as Ed in Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead.
Janet McTeer from MobLand will step into the shoes of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a character famously brought to life by the late Maggie Smith in the original films.
BBC star Paapa Essiedu is ready to take on the role of Severus Snape, alongside stage actor Luke Thallon as Hogwarts staff member Quirinus Quirrell.
Paul Whitehouse, known to fans as Sir Cadogan from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, will portray Argus Filch in the upcoming spin-off.
The ensemble cast is rounded off with American actor John Lithgow as Dumbledore, newcomer Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Ripley's Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and The IT Crowd's Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
Lastly, but certainly not least, The Crown's Bertie Carvel will portray the political character Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, aptly cast following his role as former Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Netflix sensation.
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