Warner Bros. and HBO have confirmed the first six cast members set to deliver new takes on classic Hogwarts teachers in the upcoming Harry Potter series.
The lineup was officially revealed today following months of theories about how the Wizarding World retelling will offer an updated look at Harry, Hermione, and Ron’s story. This first official look at the cast includes John Lithgow (Conclave, Dexter), who had previously spilled the beans that he’d be playing Albus Dumbledore, along with other names that have either been heavily rumored or speculated about for the last few months.
Two faces that fans shouldn’t be too surprised to see included are Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), who will appear as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Black Mirror), who has been tapped to play Severus Snape. Rounding out the group are Janet McTeer (Me Before You, The Menu) as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon (The Favourite, Present Laughter) as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Alice Through the Looking Glass) as Argus Filch.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and director of multiple episodes and executive producer Mark Mylod said in a statement.
Hogwarts professors Dumbledore, Hagrid, and Snape alone are not only famous names from the Harry Potter universe but also notable characters in pop culture in general. Each actor has big shoes to fill, something Lithgow touched on when confirming plans to play the Hogwarts headmaster earlier this year.
“I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid,” he told ScreenRant in February. “But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
The Harry Potter series is still without a release date but is expected to begin filming soon. We’ve also been left in the dark about how it will differ from the original novels it’s based on or even the film series that premiered throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. However, Warner Bros. has at least confirmed the show will be able to look at Harry’s story “a little bit more in depth than you can in just a two-hour film.” Controversial author J.K. Rowling is involved in the show’s development.
For more on the Harry Potter series, you can read up on our latest update regarding casting for Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
