Harry Potter HBO TV Series Reboot: See Full Cast As Filming Begins

Miami Herald

3 days ago

The Hogwarts Express has left the station, and we're all aboard for a return to that magical school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Production has officially begun on HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, marking a major milestone in the reimagining of J.K. Rowling's iconic wizarding world. With many of the key cast now revealed—including newcomers stepping into the legendary roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione—filming is underway on what's expected to be a decade-long retelling of the beloved books, backed by Warner Bros. and helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner.
Adding to the excitement, fans got their first glimpses this week of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, and Nick Frost as Hagrid, the beloved half-giant groundskeeper, in newly released production stills that are sparking buzz online.
HBO's commitment to a ten-year run ensures that each book will receive its own season, with expanded storytelling and character development not seen in the original films. Warner Bros. Discovery is leaning heavily on the franchise to bolster HBO Max, betting that a new generation of viewers—and lifelong fans—will be eager to return to Hogwarts.
The series is expected to premiere in 2027, according to Warner Bros. Whether it lives up to its towering expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the sorting hat has spoken.
While HBO and Warner Bros. are keeping many plot and production details under wraps, the unveiling of the cast has reignited fan fervor around the globe. Here's a closer look at the actors taking on some of the most iconic roles in fantasy fiction.
The HBO Original Harry Potter television series has cast screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Warner Bros.
At the heart of the series is a trio of first-time screen actors chosen to portray Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley—arguably the most important casting decision for the reboot.
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
A newcomer to the screen, McLaughlin stars in the upcoming indie film Grow alongside new Hagrid actor Nick Frost.
Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
Already a veteran of the West End, Stanton captivated audiences as Matilda in the eponymous award-winning stage production.
Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
Stout appeared in a handful of commercials, but Harry Potter marks his official breakout.
HBO's take on the wizarding school includes an acclaimed lineup of stage and screen veterans—some reinterpreting familiar characters, others embodying them in entirely new ways.
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
The Emmy- and Tony-winning U.S. actor, known for his roles in Terms of Endearment and Conclave will join the cast as the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and all-powerful wizard.
Lithgow, 79, has described the opportunity as "a defining moment for the final act of [his] career." He follows in the footsteps of the late, great Sir Michael Gambon, who replaced the equally great Richard Harris in the film series following Harris' death in 2002.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
McTeer will star as McGonagall, one of the franchise's most beloved characters. She is Hogwarts' stern transfiguration professor, but also the head of Gryffindor House and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore.
McTeer is known for her roles in Ozark and Tumbleweeds and has previously received both Oscar and Emmy nominations. She will be filling the shoes of the late Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed the iconic witch in seven out of the eight original films.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Essiedu is known for his roles in Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You and the series Gangs of London. He has received critical acclaim for his work in theatre and became the first Black actor to play Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company back in 2016. He takes on the role of Hogwarts' enigmatic potions master and head of Slytherin House.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost will be taking up the role of the half-giant groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Frost is best known for his performances in Edgar Wright's so-called Cornetto Trilogy of films, which include Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
Luke Thallon as Quirinis Quirrell
Rising theater star Thallon takes on the role of the stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a secret.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
The legendary comedian brings his BAFTA-winning experience to the role of Hogwarts' grim caretaker.
Longtime fans of the franchise may know that Whitehouse has been in the franchise before, playing Sir Cadagon in the third film, though his scenes were deleted and he was relegated to a background character in the theatrical cut.
Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch
Brealey will be flying into the role of Hogwarts' sharp-eyed Quidditch instructor. The English actress is known for her portrayal of pathologist Molly Hooper in the acclaimed BBC series Sherlock, as well as for roles in Back and A Discovery of Witches.
Alongside the faculty, the Hogwarts student body is beginning to take shape too.
Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
A fresh face in acting, Pratt assumes the slicked back blonde mantle of Harry's notorious Slytherin rival from Tom Felton.
Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
Another new face, Wilmot has been cast as the shy but courageous Gryffindor student, a role previously played in all eight films by Matthew Lewis.
In addition, Leo Earley has been cast as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.
Cast Beyond the Castle Walls
The adult cast also includes standout British talent portraying the Dursleys, Weasleys, and other key characters from the series.
Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
Beloved for her comedic timing in The IT Crowd, Parkinson promises to deliver a fierce and nurturing matriarch.
The role was originally played by Julie Walters in the film series.
Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy
Fresh off his stage role as Richard Burton, Flynn embodies the cold elegance of Draco's pure-blood father, originally played by Jason Isaacs, who said of Flynn's casting: "A fantastic actor, a lovely man and, irritatingly, a rather brilliant musician too. Couldn't have handed the snake-topped baton on to anyone better. Just please don't make him sing..."
Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley
Perhaps best known for The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Powley will feature in the series as Harry's harsh maternal aunt and guardian. Fiona Shaw originated the role on screen.
Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley
A BAFTA-winning performer (Eric and Ernie, The Witches), Rigby will play Harry's blustering Muggle uncle and husband of Petunia. Uncle Vernon was originally played in the films by the late Richard Griffiths.
Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
Kitson, a rising talent like much of the younger cast members, will be stepping into the role of Harry Potter's spoiled and bullying cousin, previously played by Harry Melling.
Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge
The Doctor Foster and The Crown actor will portray the bumbling and ineffectual Minister for Magic during Harry's time at Hogwarts. The role was played by the late Robert Hardy in the film series. Both Carvel and Hardy have played real-life U.K. prime ministers: Tony Blair and Winston Churchill, respectively.
Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander
Another alumnus from The Crown, in which he played Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, Lesser here takes on the part of Diagon Alley's enigmatic wandmaker, played in three films by the late John Hurt.
The celebrated thespian is also known for his performances in Game of Thrones, where he played Qyburn, and more recently in Andor, as the cold and calculating Imperial officer, Major Lio Partagaz.
Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer said in a press release: "We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch."
Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer said in a press release: "We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life."
John Lithgow, speaking to Screen Rant about his upcoming role as Dumbledore: "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."
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