PA Images/Alamy Images

John Lithgow headlines cast announcements for HBO "Harry Potter" series

By Chris Morgan | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 8:58 PM ET

With the cinematic gravy train having reached the end of the line years ago (well, "Fantastic Beasts" was more of a derailing, but we digress), the world of "Harry Potter" is coming to television. HBO is bringing us a television adaptation of the book series that is being described as "faithful." So, in essence, is HBO just basically doing the same thing the movie did but now on TV? It certainly seems like this is just a remake, or a reimagining, but now episodically. Of course, a new cast is needed. While the wizarding boy Harry Potter and his compatriots Ron and Hermoine have not been officially cast yet, some names have been confirmed when it comes to the staff at Hogwarts.

The most-notable name in the cast is John Lithgow, who is stepping into the role of Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer, a two-time Oscar nominee herself, will be playing Minerva McGonagall. Edgar Wright stalwart Nick Frost is Rubeus Hagrid. Lastly, among the confirmed main cast, is Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Beyond that, two recurring roles have been cast. Luke Thallon is playing Quirinus Quirrell, the rare double-Q name. A regular Zarley Zalapski that one. Paul Whitehouse will be playing Argus Filch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paapa Essiedu (@pessiedu)

Some big roles still need to be cast. Apparently an open call was done for casting the primary kid characters, with the intent to break some new stars. The "Harry Potter" series will purportedly begin to film this summer. For now, well, there are some movies you can watch, you know?

(h/t Variety)

Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan is a Detroit-based culture writer who has somehow managed to justify getting his BA in Film Studies. He has written about sports and entertainment across various internet platforms for years and is also the author of three books about '90s television.

More must-reads: