Harry Potter: The First Six Cast Members of the Series Have Been Officially Confirmed

It's finally official: the casting of the first six actors for the "Harry Potter" series has now been confirmed by HBO. Among them are the actors for Professor Severus Snape and Professor McGonagall. There are also two new cast members for whom nothing had previously been leaked to the public.

Severus Snape

The casting of Severus Snape is bound to be the biggest talking point: he will now indeed be played by British actor Paapa Essiedu in the series. He had been rumored for the role for some time, sparking a lot of discussion. While his acting skills are widely praised, some have questioned whether his looks really align with the character's traditional portrayal. For many, the character is forever associated with the appearance of Alan Rickman. Snape is also described as pale in the books. Such an apparent and seemingly unnecessary deviation from the original might not bode well for a faithful adaptation of the popular franchise for many fans.

Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer will be seen as Minerva McGonagall. The Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts and Head of Gryffindor House was played in the "Harry Potter" movies by the recently deceased Maggie Smith. The Transfiguration professor is one of the most respected characters in the "Harry Potter" series. Janet McTeer is known for "The Woman in Black", "Me Before You" and the Netflix series "Ozark".

Quirinus Quirrell

The role of Quirinus Quirrell has now also been cast by HBO. The Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be played by Luke Thallon. Little had been leaked to the public regarding this casting. In the past, "Oppenheimer" actor Cillian Murphy was even linked to the character – which has now proven to be untrue. Instead, with Luke Thallon, the professor will now be played by a true newcomer. Quirrell plays a central role in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". The character was formerly played by Ian Hart.

Rubeus Hagrid

The casting of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid has also been officially confirmed. Frost is best known as a comedy actor. He often works with Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright, for example in the horror comedy "Shaun of the Dead" or in "Hot Fuzz". The actor had already made hints on Instagram that fans associated with the series. The sweet-natured half-giant Hagrid is a key character in the "Harry Potter" series. He is one of Harry, Hermione and Ron's closest confidants. Hagrid is the gamekeeper at Hogwarts and teaches "Care of Magical Creatures" at the school. In the movies, the role was played by Robbie Coltrane, who sadly has since also passed away.

Argus Filch

Another new name is that of actor Paul Whitehouse. The Brit is better known from the comedy genre as well, and will take on the role of Argus Filch in the "Harry Potter" series. Filch is the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts, but has no magical powers. He is often conspicuous for his hostile attitude towards the students. The character was played in the films by "Game of Thrones" actor David Bradley.

Albus Dumbledore

Last but not least, the casting of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore was also confirmed. However, this was already a certainty, since the actor himself had affirmed in several interviews that he would be seen as the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards in the world of "Harry Potter". Lithgow is known, for example, for the series "Dexter" and "The Crown". The actor is now following in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the movies.

When is the "Harry Potter" Series Coming?

So the first six actors in the "Harry Potter" series are now official. It can be strongly assumed that further announcements will follow in the coming weeks. Of course, we are also eagerly awaiting the casting of the main trio Harry, Hermione and Ron. It is believed that these roles have already been cast, albeit with newcomers who aren't known yet.

Filming of the series is scheduled to begin in summer 2025. There is no release date yet, but it is likely that the first season will premiere at the end of 2026 or even 2027.