Latest news with #HogwartsSchoolofWitchcraftandWizardry
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter fans just realising what Aunt Petunia is doing in kitchen scene
Harry Potter fans are only just realising a hidden detail from the first movie involving Aunt Petunia, which only people who have read the book might understand It has been almost 24 years since the first film in the Harry Potter franchise was released, and fans are loving them just as much now as they did then, with many patiently awaiting the upcoming TV adaptation. The films were based on JK Rowling's book series of the same name, and follow 11-year-old orphan Harry Potter as he finds out he's a wizard and starts attending the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The film series features a swathe of famous British and Irish actors - including Fiona Shaw playing Harry's not-so-nice aunt Petunia Dursley, whom he lives with alongside his uncle Vernon and cousin Dudley, played by Richard Griffiths and Harry Melling respectively. Of course, Daniel Radcliffe plays the titular role. While the Dursleys only make brief appearances in some of the films, they're a crucial part of the storyline as Harry has lived with them since the day his parents died when he was just one year old. But as with any book-to-film adaptation, it'd be impossible to include all the important details from the books that shows the true relationship between Harry and the Dursleys. Today (July 31) is Harry Potter's birthday, according to the book and films - and fans discussing the franchise have only just spotted a detail in the first movie that only people who've read the book will understand. In the beginning of the film - when Harry receives his first acceptance letter from Hogwarts - he carries the letter into the kitchen where Petunia can be seen standing in the background, wearing an apron as she stirs something in a large pot on the stove. Taking to Reddit, one user pointed out this small detail and said that it shows something that's only every mentioned in the book. "In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone, Aunt Petunia is visible in the background of this scene dyeing Dudley's old clothes grey for Harry's uniform. This is only ever mentioned in the book," the Reddit user wrote as the shared a photo from the film scene. In the book, it is explained that all of Harry's clothes are hand-me-downs from his cousin Dudley. And as Harry is due to start a muggle school at the start of the new school year, Petunia dyes some of Dudley's old school uniform items. Meanwhile, Dudley was preparing to start his new independent school, Smeltings Academy, which his father also attended. He is seen wearing the maroon uniform in the same scene as he sits at the kitchen table with Vernon. Several people were amazed at learning this fact, as they took to the comments to share their bafflement that they hadn't noticed this before. "i saw this as a kid and thought she was making soup out of leather," one person admitted. "The amount of times I have seen this movie is crazy, and I've read the book once, absolutely loved it, and yet I didn't even notice this. That's actually really cool!! Just wish they kept Peeves in the film!" a second person wrote. However, a third person said: "In a deleted scene/a different cut of the film Harry asks her about the clothes." Another person asked why Petunia would do this, to which another person explained: "Because the Dursleys are pieces of shit to Harry and they'd rather send him to muggle high school with old dyed clothes instead of just buying him a uniform."
Malaysian Reserve
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Harry Potter 'Back to Hogwarts' 2025 Celebrations Revealed
Global events, 20th anniversary screenings, and digital surprises await… LONDON, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wizards, witches and Muggles – wands at the ready! The countdown to Back to Hogwarts has begun, and this year's festivities are set to be more magical than ever! Every 1st September, Harry Potter fans mark the iconic return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, nearly almost a quarter of a century since the first film enchanted audiences, this beloved tradition has grown into an annual global celebration of all things Harry Potter. 20 Years of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Celebrate two decades of Triwizard Tournament thrills with special Back to Hogwarts screenings of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in cinemas worldwide. In the United States, fans can relive the epic adventure on the big screen for a limited time through the Back to Hogwarts official ticketing partner – – and have a chance to get their hands on magical Harry Potter giveaways as part of the celebrations. Theatres in Canada, EMEA and International Territories will all be joining in the fun – check local listings and for details. Magic Meets Snapchat Introducing four brand new 3D Harry Potter Bitmoji Lenses with Friends! From mid-Aug in honour of Back to Hogwarts, Snap users globally will be able to see their Snapchat Bitmoji (decked out in the latest Back to Hogwarts themed fashion drop, naturally) take a trip into the wizarding world! Watch as your Bitmoji interacts with your friends' Bitmojis in four different iconic Harry Potter scenes – Hogwarts Letters at the Dursleys', Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Putting names into the Goblet of Fire, and the Wizard Chess scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Global Fan Festivities Back to Hogwarts celebrations are happening everywhere and this year's revelries are sure to make memories worthy of Dumbledore's Pensieve! Look out for celebratory Back to Hogwarts themed moments at Harry Potter destinations around the world – including park lands at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Warner Bros. Studio Tours, and various Harry Potter travelling experience locations globally. So, whether you're in London, Paris, Tokyo or joining in online, there's something spellbinding for everyone… United Kingdom Fans can attend a free screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at London's iconic Cineworld Leicester Square on 31st Aug. Before the film, ticket holders will enjoy a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), hosted by TV and radio presenter, Yinka Bokinni, plus enjoy fun in the foyer with photo ops – including The Great Hall from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter. Fans are encouraged to attend in their finest wizarding attire for the chance to win prizes from The LEGO Group and The Noble Collection. All attendees will also receive a Wizarding World, Micro Magical Moments Year 4 Collectible Figure Set from Spinmaster. Tickets are free, strictly limited and essential for entry, keep an eye on for news on when these will be released. Wizarding Wednesdays returns between 13th Aug and 23rd Sept with prizes galore, keep an eye out on the Harry Potter social channels to find out more info. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter will host 300 lucky guests at a celebratory 11am countdown moment at the Studio Tour, held on the platform next to the iconic Hogwarts Express live on 1st Sept. Tickets are exclusively available by entering a competition to win, visit @wbtourlondon for more details on how to enter before the competition closes on 11th Aug. Visitors to the London Platform 9 ¾ shop can pose with a special photo opportunity frame and pick up exclusive Back to Hogwarts merchandise instore, available from 28th July. House of MinaLima also invites fans to join a special meet and greet event on the 31st of Aug where they can get their hands on a limited-edition giveaway Back to Hogwarts 2025 button badge (while supplies last). Visit for more info. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child London will be giving out special badges to all audience members at performances between 3rd and 7th Sept. Fans are reminded that there will be no event, countdown or train announcement at King's Cross Station on 1st Sept. – and are strongly advised not to travel in order to avoid disappointment. North America & Canada Visitors heading to Harry Potter StoreNew York and Harry Potter Store Chicago can pick up exclusive, time-limited Back to Hogwarts merch in store from 28th July. Starting today, fans eager to attend the popular Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will be able to sign up for early waitlist confirmation as the experience is confirmed to take place in Chicago later this year – check out for more info. Fans in Salt Lake City, Utah can take advantage of a special ticket offer available on 1st Sept at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway will be celebrating '19 Years Later' with $19 tickets for select performances this autumn. This special priced ticket will be available for one day only on 1st Sept, online at or at the Lyric Theatre Box Office. France Paris, 30th Aug: The stunning Sainte-Geneviève Library will transform into a magical 'school exam' inspired free ticketed event with interactive quizzes, a special Harry Potter themed dictation session read by Solange Boulanger (the French language actor who dubbed Dolores Umbridge in the film series). The LEGO Group and Haribo displays, and more surprises will be announced during the summer. For fans unable to make it on the day, the fun will be hosted online from 30th Aug until 7th Sept. Details are soon to be released on how fans can join online, via the French HP and Warner FR social channels. Germany Hamburg, 29 Aug, 30th Aug & 1 Sept: Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier will play host to a spectacular three-day Back to Hogwarts event, offering fans of all ages specially themed interactive activities and magical give-aways from partners including Thalia, The LEGO Group, Haribo and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Nationwide, mid Aug until mid Sept: Stop by Thalia this summer, where 10 stores across Germany will be celebrating Back to Hogwarts. Visitors can enjoy fun photo opportunities, themed activities, prize-draws and special Harry Potter displays before shopping an exclusive themed range and discovering magical 'back to school' promotions. More details here 29th Aug & 5th Sept: Wizards and witches also have the opportunity to attend one of four special Back to Hogwarts themed sleepover events held at Thalia stores in Dusseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig and Hamburg. Lucky attendees can look forward to magical activities and take home an exclusive goody bag. Check out for details on how to apply for free tickets. Hamburg, 31st Aug: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will host a special Back to Hogwarts Show to celebrate the start of a new school year. Full details here: Italy Milan, 1st Sept: Fans can register to join a spectacular free Back to Hogwarts event, held at Teatro Nazionale. The beautiful space will be entirely themed and transformed into a magical venue for the celebrations. Look forward to an 11'o'clock countdown, interactive games, quizzes, special performances, plus surprise guests! To learn more and register, visit Spain Madrid, 31st Aug & 1st Sept: Fans are invited to a special two-day event at a stunning yet-to-be-revealed location. Get ready for plenty of magical fun, including Back to Hogwarts and Harry Potter themed photo opportunities, an interactive 11 o'clock countdown, and much more. Further details will be announced soon. Japan Tokyo, 29th Aug – 31st Aug: Baseball fans attending Saitama Seibu Lions games can look forward to a special Back to Hogwarts collaboration with Harry Potter x Lions. Fans can get their hands on bespoke products and visitors on the 29th will also be able to watch as a cast member from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child makes the ceremonial pitch! China Shanghai: 7th Aug – 10th Aug: In honour of Back to Hogwarts season, fans will be able to enjoy both Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert. Hangzhou: 30th Aug – 1st Sept: Look forward to a special Back to Hogwarts celebration in Hangzhou's West Lake District. Expect celebratory photo opportunities, a first glimpse at brand new products and a host of magical fun. Find out more by visiting the official Harry Potter Chinese social channel. Singapore Visitors to Harry Potter: Visions of Magic with a valid ticket, arriving dressed in their favourite house attire have the chance to win complimentary gifts with other surprises on site. Australia Fans in Melbourne, Australia can take advantage of a special ticket offer available on 1st Sept at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Online Don't miss the Back to Hogwarts Showcase at 10:40 BST / 05:40 ET, which will be available on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Expect news, updates and announcements for the year ahead. There are more Back to Hogwarts activities and events yet to be announced, visit to stay up to date, get Sorted into your Hogwarts house, and join the Harry Potter Fan Club. 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Cision Canada
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Harry Potter 'Back to Hogwarts' 2025 Celebrations Revealed
Global events, 20th anniversary screenings, and digital surprises await… LONDON, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wizards, witches and Muggles - wands at the ready! The countdown to Back to Hogwarts has begun, and this year's festivities are set to be more magical than ever! Every 1 st September, Harry Potter fans mark the iconic return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, nearly almost a quarter of a century since the first film enchanted audiences, this beloved tradition has grown into an annual global celebration of all things Harry Potter. 20 Years of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Celebrate two decades of Triwizard Tournament thrills with special Back to Hogwarts screenings of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in cinemas worldwide. In the United States, fans can relive the epic adventure on the big screen for a limited time through the Back to Hogwarts official ticketing partner – – and have a chance to get their hands on magical Harry Potter giveaways as part of the celebrations. Theatres in Canada, EMEA and International Territories will all be joining in the fun – check local listings and for details. Magic Meets Snapchat Introducing four brand new 3D Harry Potter Bitmoji Lenses with Friends! From mid-Aug in honour of Back to Hogwarts, Snap users globally will be able to see their Snapchat Bitmoji (decked out in the latest Back to Hogwarts themed fashion drop, naturally) take a trip into the wizarding world! Watch as your Bitmoji interacts with your friends' Bitmojis in four different iconic Harry Potter scenes – Hogwarts Letters at the Dursleys', Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Putting names into the Goblet of Fire, and the Wizard Chess scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Global Fan Festivities Back to Hogwarts celebrations are happening everywhere and this year's revelries are sure to make memories worthy of Dumbledore's Pensieve! Look out for celebratory Back to Hogwarts themed moments at Harry Potter destinations around the world – including park lands at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Warner Bros. Studio Tours, and various Harry Potter travelling experience locations globally. So, whether you're in London, Paris, Tokyo or joining in online, there's something spellbinding for everyone… United Kingdom Fans can attend a free screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at London's iconic Cineworld Leicester Square on 31 st Aug. Before the film, ticket holders will enjoy a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), hosted by TV and radio presenter, Yinka Bokinni, plus enjoy fun in the foyer with photo ops – including The Great Hall from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter. Fans are encouraged to attend in their finest wizarding attire for the chance to win prizes from The LEGO Group and The Noble Collection. All attendees will also receive a Wizarding World, Micro Magical Moments Year 4 Collectible Figure Set from Spinmaster. Tickets are free, strictly limited and essential for entry, keep an eye on for news on when these will be released. Wizarding Wednesdays returns between 13 th Aug and 23 rd Sept with prizes galore, keep an eye out on the Harry Potter social channels to find out more info. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter will host 300 lucky guests at a celebratory 11am countdown moment at the Studio Tour, held on the platform next to the iconic Hogwarts Express live on 1 st Sept. Tickets are exclusively available by entering a competition to win, visit @wbtourlondon for more details on how to enter before the competition closes on 11 th Aug. Visitors to the London Platform 9 ¾ shop can pose with a special photo opportunity frame and pick up exclusive Back to Hogwarts merchandise instore, available from 28 th July. House of MinaLima also invites fans to join a special meet and greet event on the 31 st of Aug where they can get their hands on a limited-edition giveaway Back to Hogwarts 2025 button badge (while supplies last). Visit for more info. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child London will be giving out special badges to all audience members at performances between 3 rd and 7 th Sept. Fans are reminded that there will be no event, countdown or train announcement at King's Cross Station on 1st Sept. – and are strongly advised not to travel in order to avoid disappointment. North America & Canada Visitors heading to Harry Potter StoreNew York and Harry Potter Store Chicago can pick up exclusive, time-limited Back to Hogwarts merch in store from 28th July. Starting today, fans eager to attend the popular Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will be able to sign up for early waitlist confirmation as the experience is confirmed to take place in Chicago later this year – check out for more info. Fans in Salt Lake City, Utah can take advantage of a special ticket offer available on 1 st Sept at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway will be celebrating '19 Years Later' with $19 tickets for select performances this autumn. This special priced ticket will be available for one day only on 1 st Sept, online at or at the Lyric Theatre Box Office. France Paris, 30th Aug: The stunning Sainte-Geneviève Library will transform into a magical 'school exam' inspired free ticketed event with interactive quizzes, a special Harry Potter themed dictation session read by Solange Boulanger (the French language actor who dubbed Dolores Umbridge in the film series). The LEGO Group and Haribo displays, and more surprises will be announced during the summer. For fans unable to make it on the day, the fun will be hosted online from 30th Aug until 7th Sept. Details are soon to be released on how fans can join online, via the French HP and Warner FR social channels. Germany Hamburg, 29 Aug, 30th Aug & 1 Sept: Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier will play host to a spectacular three-day Back to Hogwarts event, offering fans of all ages specially themed interactive activities and magical give-aways from partners including Thalia, The LEGO Group, Haribo and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Nationwide, mid Aug until mid Sept: Stop by Thalia this summer, where 10 stores across Germany will be celebrating Back to Hogwarts. Visitors can enjoy fun photo opportunities, themed activities, prize-draws and special Harry Potter displays before shopping an exclusive themed range and discovering magical 'back to school' promotions. More details here 29 th Aug & 5 th Sept: Wizards and witches also have the opportunity to attend one of four special Back to Hogwarts themed sleepover events held at Thalia stores in Dusseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig and Hamburg. Lucky attendees can look forward to magical activities and take home an exclusive goody bag. Check out for details on how to apply for free tickets. Hamburg, 31 st Aug: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will host a special Back to Hogwarts Show to celebrate the start of a new school year. Full details here: Italy Milan, 1st Sept: Fans can register to join a spectacular free Back to Hogwarts event, held at Teatro Nazionale. The beautiful space will be entirely themed and transformed into a magical venue for the celebrations. Look forward to an 11'o'clock countdown, interactive games, quizzes, special performances, plus surprise guests! To learn more and register, visit Spain Madrid, 31 st Aug & 1 st Sept: Fans are invited to a special two-day event at a stunning yet-to-be-revealed location. Get ready for plenty of magical fun, including Back to Hogwarts and Harry Potter themed photo opportunities, an interactive 11 o'clock countdown, and much more. Further details will be announced soon. Japan Tokyo, 29 th Aug – 31 st Aug: Baseball fans attending Saitama Seibu Lions games can look forward to a special Back to Hogwarts collaboration with Harry Potter x Lions. Fans can get their hands on bespoke products and visitors on the 29 th will also be able to watch as a cast member from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child makes the ceremonial pitch! China Shanghai: 7 th Aug – 10 th Aug: In honour of Back to Hogwarts season, fans will be able to enjoy both Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert. Hangzhou: 30 th Aug – 1 st Sept: Look forward to a special Back to Hogwarts celebration in Hangzhou's West Lake District. Expect celebratory photo opportunities, a first glimpse at brand new products and a host of magical fun. Find out more by visiting the official Harry Potter Chinese social channel. Singapore Visitors to Harry Potter: Visions of Magic with a valid ticket, arriving dressed in their favourite house attire have the chance to win complimentary gifts with other surprises on site. Australia Online There are more Back to Hogwarts activities and events yet to be announced, visit to stay up to date, get Sorted into your Hogwarts house, and join the Harry Potter Fan Club.
Al Etihad
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Step into the wizarding world of Hogwarts – right here in Manarat Al Saadiyat
17 July 2025 22:18 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)From July 25 to September 14, 'Harry Potter: The Exhibition' makes its spellbinding UAE debut at Manarat Al Saadiyat, transforming the Abu Dhabi venue into a fully immersive Wizarding World exhibit will impress fans of the fictional world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with genuine props and costumes from the popular movies and interactive attractions, including Quidditch challenges and potion say the experience has been thoughtfully reimagined for Abu Dhabi's cultural landscape, combining the magic of JK Rowling's universe with cutting-edge technology and personalised storytelling. Speaking to Aletihad , Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., said, 'Harry Potter: The Exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the beloved stories by blending authentic elements from the films along with the extended world of Harry Potter with innovative and interactive elements. 'While the core experience celebrates the global phenomenon, we always consider the unique cultural landscape of each host city.'Spotlighting Abu Dhabi, he added, 'In Abu Dhabi, this means ensuring our presentation resonates with local audiences, amplifying the themes of wonder, discovery and connection that are universal, yet can be appreciated through a regional lens.'At the heart of the exhibition is cutting-edge technology that transforms visitors from spectators into participants; whether they are brewing potions, casting spells, or even searching for Golden Snitch medallions with their interactive wristbands.'We have harnessed best-in-class immersive design and technology to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in exciting new ways,' Zaller explained.'For interactive experiences like potion brewing and spell-casting, we utilise advanced digital touch screens that allow visitors to genuinely engage with the exhibits. Our goal is to create captivating and authentic interactions that allow visitors to feel like they are part of the narrative.'That sense of personal engagement is key to the storytelling. From the moment visitors enter, they can choose their Hogwarts house, select a wand and identify their Patronus - all of which shapes their journey through the exhibition. 'Audience participation is central to the storytelling experience,' Zaller emphasised. 'These actions foster a sense of friendly competition and belonging, turning passive observation into an active adventure. Each guest creates their own indelible memories.'For Zaller, Abu Dhabi is more than just a stop on a global tour - it is a natural home for this kind of cultural spectacle,' he said.'Abu Dhabi is an exceptionally fitting city for hosting Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Our expansion into the Middle East is a testament to Imagine's dedication to bringing world-class experiences to new audiences.' He concluded, 'Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a vibrant centre for culture and entertainment. There is something for every type of fan to discover and enjoy, and I am honoured to bring the exhibition to this captivating city.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Harry Potter 'series cast: Meet the new faces heading to Hogwarts, from Harry and Hermione to Draco and Dumbledore
HBO's upcoming series adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved book series is currently rounding out its cast of wizards, Muggles, and baddies. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will lead the series as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Johnny Flynn, and Nick Frost are just a few of the big names to join the supporting over a year of speculation, HBO has shared multiple casting announcements for the upcoming Harry Potter series, including its new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Donning the robes made famous by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are a trio of newcomers that, per a statement from showrunner Francesca Gardiner, were chosen from "tens of thousands of children" who auditioned after HBO issued an open casting call. They include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. A press release emphasizes how the new series will serve as a spacious vessel for J.K. Rowling's beloved book series, claiming it will be filled with "fantastic detail" as it "[explores] every corner of the wizarding world." Mark Mylod, a key figure on HBO's Succession, will serve as an executive producer and direct several episodes. The series will be overseen by showrunner, writer, and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, a veteran of programs like Killing Eve and His Dark Materials. Rowling will also step into an executive producer role. Below is our comprehensive guide to HBO's Harry Potter cast. Read on to find out who's been cast, who they're playing, and where you've seen them before. Dominic McLaughlin will play series protagonist (and cultural icon) Harry Potter in the upcoming series. McLaughlin's only other screen credit is the upcoming film Grow, in which he'll appear alongside Nick Frost, the Harry Potter series' new Hagrid. When we first meet Harry, he's an orphan living miserably with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. On his 11th birthday, he's visited by Hagrid, who whisks him away to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about his family history, gets his first wand, meets his new best friends, and confronts He Who Shall Not Be Named for the first time. Arabella Stanton's role as Hermione, a clever but socially insecure Hogwarts student, marks the young actress' onscreen debut. Hermione is initially written off by Harry as arrogant, but the pair become close pals after they defeat a troll in the girls' bathroom along with Ron. Alastair Stout will make his screen debut as Ron Weasley, Harry's red-haired best friend with a massive family of fellow wizards. When we meet Ron, he's a shy boy with a sweet tooth and a knack for chess. That latter skill is especially useful when he joins Harry and Hermione on a search for the Sorcerer's Stone. John Lithgow elicits respect, fear, and laughter in equal measure, having scored Emmys for three very different roles — as Winston Churchill on The Crown (2016–2019), the Trinity Killer on Dexter (2009), and Dick Solomon on sitcom 3rd Rock From the Sun (1996–2001). He's also a two-time Oscar nominee for turns in The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983). Lithgow remains a compelling figure on film and TV, having recently appeared in Oscar-nominated movies like Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and Conclave (2024), as well as FX's The Old Man (2022–2024). Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, the wise Hogwarts headmaster and founder of the Order of the Phoenix. Richard Harris originally portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. After his death in 2002, Michael Gambon stepped into the role. Jude Law later played a younger version of the character in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Lithgow opened up about the role on a recent episode of the Smartless podcast. "You know, Dumbledore, he's kind of this nuclear weapon," Lithgow said. "He only goes off very, very occasionally. And I don't think it's gonna be that hard a job." The 79-year-old Lithgow went on to say that playing Dumbledore across seven or eight years is "a wonderful way to grow old as an actor," adding, "I mean, the alternative is to just be hauled out once a year to play an Alzheimer's patient [with] an awful lot of weeping middle-aged children, you know." British actor Paapa Essiedu cut his teeth with the Royal Shakespeare Company and found success on the small screen opposite Michaela Coel on the BBC's I May Destroy You (2020). He received Emmy and British Academy Television Award nominations for his performance, and went on to appear in series like Gangs of London (2020–2022), Black Mirror (2023), and Black Doves (2024) as well as the films Men (2022) and The Outrun (2024). Essiedu will play Severus Snape, the Slytherin anti-hero famously played by the late Alan Rickman. In a note to Rickman, Rowling called Snape "my most complex character." It will be interesting to see how Essiedu's Snape manifests in this telling, as the actor will come into the role knowing his full arc. Rickman, who was given a key piece of information about the character by Rowling before the rest of the cast, often spoke about how that helped shape his performance, telling the Los Angeles Times in 2011, "I was always aware of my place in the story even as others around me were not.' Janet McTeer is the recipient of a Golden Globe, a Tony, and an Olivier Award, as well as two Oscar nominations for her work in Tumbleweeds (1999) and Albert Nobbs (2011). Her other notable credits include the films Velvet Goldmine (1998), Maleficent (2014), and The Menu (2022), as well as series like Jessica Jones (2018) and Ozark (2018–2020). This year, you can see her on the Paramount+ series MobLand and sprinting alongside Tom Cruise in the upcoming Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. McTeer plays Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts professor and head of Gryffindor House. The character is as loyal as she is strict, serving as a mentor while instilling a healthy fear in her students. Maggie Smith portrayed the character in the film franchise, while Fiona Glascott played a young Minerva in the Fantastic Beasts films. Nick Frost came up alongside his pal Simon Pegg on the comedy series Spaced (1999–2001) before appearing in films like Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007), and The World's End (2013). He recently voiced droid SM-33 on the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew (2024–present), and will next appear in Disney's live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. The half-giant Hagrid is among the first characters we meet in the Harry Potter universe. A Hogwarts groundskeeper with a flowing brown beard, Hagrid was previously played by Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022. Luke Thallon is a relative newcomer to the screen, with only a couple of small credits to his name. That said, he received rave reviews for his turn as Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2025 production. He'll play Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The role was portrayed by Ian Hart in the film franchise. BAFTA-winning performer Paul Whitehouse was a star and co-creator of the BBC comedy series The Fast Show (1994–1997), as well as a collaborator with popular comedian Harry Enfield. He's also appeared in several popular films, including Corpse Bride (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and The Death of Stalin (2017). Interestingly, Whitehouse previously played a role in the Harry Potter film franchise, having shot material for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that didn't make the final cut. He played Sir Cadogan, a knight who appears in a painting in Hogwarts' Divination corridor. In the Harry Potter TV series, Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the feline-loving caretaker of Hogwarts. David Bradley played the role originally. Newcomer Lox Pratt is involved in two upcoming adaptations of iconic books. The first, obviously, is HBO's Harry Potter series. The second is a new take on William Golding's Lord of the Flies from Jack Thorne, the in-demand writer behind the buzzy 2025 Netflix series Adolescence. (In a fun coincidence, Thorne also wrote the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.) Pratt will play Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin bully who goes on to play a major role in the story. Draco was previously played by Tom Felton, who recently reprised the role for a Broadway run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Johnny Flynn is best known as the star of Netflix's Lovesick (2014–2018) and for his portrayal of David Bowie in 2020's Stardust. His other credits include the films Song One (2014) and Emma (2020), as well as the acclaimed Netflix series Ripley (2024). He'll next appear in Kate Winslet's upcoming directorial debut, Goodbye June. Flynn is also an accomplished musician, with six studio albums, multiple stage musicals, and several soundtracks under his belt. He serves as the lead singer and songwriter of Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit, which is among the most British band names we've ever heard. Related: Johnny Flynn on writing an original song for Emma and the Emma in his life The actor will play Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy, one of the series' most malevolent characters. Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus) played Lucius in the original films. Katherine Parkinson is a two-time BAFTA winner for her turn as Jen Barber on The IT Crowd (2006–2013), as well as an Olivier Award nominee for the 2018 play Home, I'm Darling. Over the last decade, Parkinson led AMC's Humans (2015–2018) as Laura Hawkins, and starred on BBC series such as Defending the Guilty (2018–2019) and Here We Go (2022–present). Parkinson takes over the role of Weasley matriarch (and Hogwarts alum) Molly from Julie Walters. Bel Powley's screen career began on the CBBC series M.I. High (2007–2008). Her profile rose considerably when she starred opposite Kristen Wiig and Alexander Skarsgård in Marielle Heller's The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015). The role earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination and the Trophée Chopard at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Since then, she's appeared in films such as White Boy Rick (2018) and The King of Staten Island (2020), as well as series like The Morning Show (2019–2021) and Masters of the Air (2024). Powley plays Harry's cruel Muggle aunt, Petunia Dursley, a role originally played by Fiona Shaw. BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby broke out as a star of 2011's Eric and Ernie, a BBC TV movie about the early career of English comic duo Morecambe and Wise. He's been a familiar face on U.S. and U.K. television in the years since, appearing on series such as Jericho (2016), Sick Note (2017–2018), and Landscapers (2021). Parents may also recognize Rigby's voice from his gig as a narrator on Teletubbies (2015–2018). Rigby will next appear alongside Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer in Blade Runner 2099, Amazon Prime's miniseries sequel to Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 (2017). On the Harry Potter series, Rigby will play Harry's uncle, the magic-hating Vernon Dursley, previously played by Richard Griffiths. Bertie Carvel is a prolific stage performer with two Olivier Awards under his belt. He also played the key role of Banquo in Joel Coen's Oscar-nominated The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021). Carvel played Jonathan Strange on the BBC's acclaimed Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell adaptation in 2015 and had leading roles on Doctor Foster (2015–2017) and Dalgliesh (2021–present). You may also recognize Carvel for playing former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair on The Crown (2022–2023). The actor will next appear as Baelor Targaryen on HBO's upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones spinoff. On the Harry Potter series, Carvel will play Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Leo Earley's portrayal of "half-and-half" Seamus Finnigan marks the young actor's first onscreen role. A Gryffindor student at Hogwarts, Seamus is an ally to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Devon Murray portrayed the character in the original films. In her screen debut, Alessia Leoni will play Parvati Patil, a Gryffindor with an interest in Divination. Sienna Moosah, another newcomer, will play Lavender Brown, a close friend of Parvati with an eye for the original article on Entertainment Weekly
