Accio casting news! HBO has unveiled the first major cast announcement for its highly anticipated Harry Potter original series, revealing a powerhouse lineup of actors stepping into the robes of some of the wizarding world’s most iconic characters.
Leading the cast is six-time Emmy winner and Oscar nominee John Lithgow (Conclave, Dexter, Interstellar), who will portray Albus Dumbledore. Joining him is Tony and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Emmy and BAFTA nominee Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) takes on the complex role of Severus Snape.
British comedy favorite and Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost will bring warmth and humor as the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Rounding out the newly announced regular cast are Luke Thallon as the stammering Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, and five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse as the perpetually grouchy caretaker Argus Filch.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard,” said showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and director/executive producer Mark Mylod. “We can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
Set to stream exclusively on Max, the upcoming series is described as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling books. The show aims to reintroduce the magical world to a new generation while offering deeper explorations of the characters and storylines that fans have cherished for over two decades.
Each season is expected to delve into one book in the series, offering a richly detailed, serialized take on the journey of the Boy Who Lived and his friends, enemies, and mentors at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Produced by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, the series is executive produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman (Harry Potter films). Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession) is writing and executive producing, with Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones) directing multiple episodes.
The series joins the existing eight-film franchise, which will remain available on Max and continue to serve as a foundational part of the Harry Potter universe.
More casting announcements are expected soon as production gears up for what promises to be one of the most ambitious and anticipated fantasy television series of the decade.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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