The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached a significant milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. While we eagerly await news on who will portray iconic characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lord Voldemort, we now have insight into who will bring to life other beloved figures such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more. Dive in to discover the confirmed actors and the roles yet to be filled.
John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica HowesSix-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, the revered headmaster of Hogwarts. Known as one of the most powerful wizards, Dumbledore played a crucial role as a mentor to Harry Potter. His backstory is rich with tragedy, notably his relationship with Gellert Grindelwald, who became a formidable dark wizard.
John 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," "Interstellar," and many more.
Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in "Sorcerer's Stone" and "Chamber of Secrets," while Michael Gambon took over for the remainder of the series. Toby Regbo and Jude Law have also depicted younger versions of the character.
Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew CrowleyTony and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Janet McTeer will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall. A key figure at Hogwarts, McGonagall is the head of Gryffindor and serves as the deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. She's introduced early in the saga, assisting Dumbledore in delivering Harry to the Dursleys.
McTeer's notable roles include "Me Before You," "The Menu," "Albert Nobbs," "Tumbleweeds," "The Old Man," "Ozark," "Sorry for Your Loss," among others.
Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith portrayed McGonagall in the original films, with Fiona Glascott stepping in for the "Fantastic Beasts" series.
Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth CraferEmmy-nominated actor Paapa Essiedu is set to portray Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions master and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex history with Harry and his parents, James and Lily, makes him a pivotal character throughout the series.
Essiedu has impressed in "I May Destroy You," "The Outrun," "Black Mirror," "Men," "The Lazarus Project," "Gangs of London," and more.
Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman famously portrayed Snape, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke playing the teenage and child versions, respectively.
Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee MaloneNick Frost will take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant who serves as the gamekeeper and groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a significant role in Harry's life, from rescuing him from the Dursleys to becoming one of his closest allies.
Frost is well-known for his comedic roles in "Shaun of the Dead," "Skeleton Crew," "The World's End," "Hot Fuzz," "Attack the Block," and others.
Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane brought Hagrid to life, with Martin Bayfield playing the young Hagrid.
Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil SharpLuke Thallon is set to portray Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts.
Thallon, an emerging talent, has appeared in "The Favourite" and "Present Laughter."
Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart portrayed Quirrell.
Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike MarslandBAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts, 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," "Alice in Wonderland," and more.
Who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films? David Bradley portrayed Filch.
Harry PotterRon WeasleyHermione GrangerLord VoldemortDraco MalfoySirius BlackRemus LupinDolores UmbridgeAlastor MoodyGinny WeasleyLuna LovegoodFred WeasleyGeorge WeasleyArthur WeasleyMolly WeasleyJames PotterLily PotterBellatrix LestrangeNeville LongbottomCedric DiggoryDudley DursleyPetunia DursleyVernon DursleyLucius MalfoyCho ChangSeamus FinniganDean ThomasGilderoy LockhartDobbyNearly Headless NickMoaning MyrtleSybill TrelawneyFilius FlitwickAnd 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 discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.
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