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 revealed. While we're still eagerly awaiting announcements for who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have confirmation on who will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others.

Read on to discover who has been officially confirmed for this fresh adaptation of Harry Potter, and which roles are yet to be filled.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

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

John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore, widely regarded as one of the most powerful wizards, plays a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory is equally compelling, marked by a tragic relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who later becomes a formidable dark wizard.

Lithgow's notable roles include 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 many 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; Toby Regbo and Jude Law portrayed younger versions of the character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

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

Tony Award and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, a cherished figure at Hogwarts, serving as the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. She is introduced early in the series, assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.

McTeer's previous work includes Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Tumbleweeds, The Old Man, Ozark, and Sorry for Your Loss, among others.

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 take on the role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex relationship with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to his character, making him a challenging presence for Harry throughout the series.

Essiedu's notable 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 and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions of Snape.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

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

Nick Frost will embody Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a crucial role in Harry's life, rescuing him from the Dursleys and guiding him into the magical world.

Frost is known for his comedic roles in films like 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 as young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

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

Luke Thallon will portray Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts.

Thallon, a rising star, 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 winner Paul Whitehouse is set to play Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker often seen with his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse's notable works include The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, The Death of Stalin, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Corpse Bride, and Alice in Wonderland.

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

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

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 follow our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.