Meet the Stars Bringing Dumbledore, Hagrid, and McGonagall to Life in New JK Rowling\’s TV Series

HBO
has officially announced that Janet McTeer, John Lithgow, and Paapa Essiedu have been cast as part of the ensemble for the forthcoming production.
Harry Potter
TV series.

The American streaming firm, which has not yet formally announced its main cast members including actors like Harry Potter, revealed on Monday that numerous renowned performers have been chosen to portray some of the series\’ iconic characters.

Nick Frost, Luke Thallon, and Paul Whitehouse have additionally been announced as part of the casting for the show.
TV show
, which will be based on the seven-book series and intended to last for up to ten years.

In the realm of the stars, Whitehouse stands out as the sole actor who has previously been part of the original films.

Regarding the recent casting update, the showrunners commented, \”We\’re thrilled to welcome this incredible roster of actors aboard, and we are eagerly anticipating their portrayal of these cherished characters in fresh ways.\”

As stated in earlier statements, the upcoming television series will stay true to the Harry Potter book series and offer a deeper exploration of the narrative compared to what was seen in the movies.

\”Every season will stay true to the source material from the original books, introducing Harry Potter and these amazing adventures to fresh viewers worldwide. Meanwhile, the initial, iconic, and cherished films will continue as the heart of the series and accessible for global viewing,\” Warner Bros declared earlier.

So, who\’s who in the upcoming Harry Potter series?

John Lithgow portraying Albus Dumbledore

The renowned US actor John Lithgow is set to portray Hogwarts\’ headmaster.
Albus Dumbledore
In the new series, stepping into the role previously held by Michael Gambon and Richard Harris, who portrayed the character in the movies.

Lithgow is an acclaimed actor with a career spanning over fifty years, during which he has taken on numerous prestigious roles, including that of a serial killer.
Dexter
and an alien in
3rd Rock from the Sun
.

Lithgow’s casting in the
JK Rowling
The series was initially revealed earlier this year, with the lead actor verifying that they had agreed to join the production – despite it potentially being their final significant acting role.

\”I received another phone call from the Sundance Film Festival, and making this decision wasn’t easy since it will shape who I am in the final stages of my life,\” he stated.

But I\’m really thrilled. A number of amazing individuals have refocused their interest on Harry Potter. This makes my choice quite difficult. By the time of the wrap party, I\’ll be roughly 87 years old, yet I\’ve agreed.

Janet McTeer portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall

The renowned British actor Janet McTeer, aged 63, is set to take on the character of Professor McGonagall, a pivotal figure within the Potter saga, for the forthcoming television series.

Recently, McTeer has been touted as the top candidate for the part previously portrayed in movies by the late Dame Maggie Smith.

The actor, who has earned prestigious awards like the Tony, Olivier, and Golden Globe, has an extensive background in both theater and film and is recognized for his appearances in various productions including shows such as
Ozark
and
Kaos.

Even though McTeer hasn\’t apparently commented on this casting choice, numerous fans believe she would be an ideal fit for taking on the challenging and occasionally daunting role.

Nick Frost portraying Rubeus Hagrid

British legend and Cornetto trilogy actor Nick Frost is set to take on one of Harry Potter\’s most beloved roles, that of the half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, previously portrayed by Robbie Coltrane.

On Monday, when sharing the thrilling update on social media, Frost expressed his gratitude to the show’s team for the role and assured Coltrane that he would live up to expectations and not disappoint the character.

You\’re a wizard, Harry!!!\” he posted on social media along with a selfie showing him holding up the book \”Harry Potter and the Sorcerer\’s Stone.

Thanks for entrusting me with such a faithful, kind, and brave half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I assure you I won\’t disappoint you.

Paapa Essiedu

as Severus Snape

I May Destroy You
and
Black Mirror
star Paapa Essiedu will assume the iconic role of Severus Snape, formerly played by the late Alan Rickman.

The acclaimed 36-year-old British actor, who has been shortlisted for an Emmy, is set to take on the prestigious roles of Potions Master and Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher starting in 2026.

Essiedu, whose character is set to play a crucial part in safeguarding Harry from the malevolent forces closing in on the young wizard, has not made any public statements about this thrilling casting announcement.

Paul Whitehouse portrays Argus Filch.

Paul Whitehouse, a Welsh actor and comedian, will take on the part of Hogwarts\’ irritable custodian Argus Filch, replacing David Bradley who originally portrayed this character.

The White House, widely recognized for his contributions related to
The Fast Show, Harry & Paul
, and
The Death of Stalin,
will be seen as the returning non-magical character in the new season.

So far, the actor remains the sole star with prior connections to the Harry Potter series, having portrayed Sir Cadogan—a Knight featured in one of Hogwarts\’ portraits—in \”Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.\”

Luke Thallon portraying Quirinus Quirrell

One of the book\’s initial villains, Quirinus Quirrell, will be portrayed by 29-year-old theater standout Luke Thallon.

Thallon has formerly taken on the role of Hamlet and participated in radio adaptations such as A Room with a View.

Quirrell, the teacher of Defence Against the Dark Arts introduced in the first Harry Potter novel, is most recognized as a trembling and frightened figure concealing a sinister truth—Voldemort was bonded to his scalp.

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