HBO's Harry Potter Reboot: Confirmed Cast and Characters Revealed

We've reached an exciting milestone with the HBO Harry Potter TV series, as the first six cast members have been unveiled. While we eagerly await announcements on who will portray iconic characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have the exciting news on who will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and other key figures.

Read on to discover who has been officially confirmed for this fresh take on the Harry Potter universe, and learn about the major characters who are yet to be cast.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes

Six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards in history, Dumbledore played a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory includes a complex relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who became a formidable dark wizard. Lithgow's diverse portfolio includes roles in "3rd Rock From the Sun," "Dexter," "The Crown," "Shrek," "The World According to Garp," "Perry Mason," "The Old Man," "Footloose," "Terms of Endearment," and "Interstellar," among others.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris in "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," and Michael Gambon in the subsequent films. Younger versions of the character were portrayed by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley

Tony Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. As the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress, McGonagall is a pivotal figure at Hogwarts, first seen in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" alongside Dumbledore delivering Harry to the Dursleys. McTeer's previous works include "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," and "Sorry for Your Loss," to name a few.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original series and Fiona Glascott in the "Fantastic Beasts" films.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer

Emmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu will embody Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's intricate connections with Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, make him a central figure in the series. Essiedu's previous roles include "I May Destroy You," "The Outrun," "Black Mirror," "Men," "The Lazarus Project," and "Gangs of London."

Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins as the teenage Snape and Benedict Clarke as the child version.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone

Nick Frost will bring to life Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper of Hogwarts. Hagrid's pivotal role in rescuing Harry from the Dursleys and guiding him into the wizarding world made him one of Harry's closest friends. Frost is renowned for his comedic roles in films such as "Shaun of the Dead," "Skeleton Crew," "The World's End," "Hot Fuzz," and "Attack the Block."

Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield portraying the young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp

Luke Thallon will step into the role of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts. Thallon, a relative newcomer, has appeared in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."

Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris. Whitehouse is well-known for "The Fast Show," "Harry & Paul," "The Death of Stalin," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," "Corpse Bride," and "Alice in Wonderland," among other works.

Who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films? David Bradley.

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

The following characters are still awaiting casting announcements:

• Harry Potter
• Ron Weasley
• Hermione Granger
• Lord Voldemort
• Draco Malfoy
• Sirius Black
• Remus Lupin
• Dolores Umbridge
• Alastor Moody
• Ginny Weasley
• Luna Lovegood
• Fred Weasley
• George Weasley
• Arthur Weasley
• Molly Weasley
• James Potter
• Lily Potter
• Bellatrix Lestrange
• Neville Longbottom
• Cedric Diggory
• Dudley Dursley
• Petunia Dursley
• Vernon Dursley
• Lucius Malfoy
• Cho Chang
• Seamus Finnigan
• Dean Thomas
• Gilderoy Lockhart
• Dobby
• Nearly Headless Nick
• Moaning Myrtle
• Sybill Trelawney
• Filius Flitwick
• And many more...

For more insights, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, learn about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO's reboot, and find our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.