Hogwarts reimagined: HBO locks magical faculty lineup

Janet McTeer, Nick Frost join John Lithgow, Papa Essiedu

HBO has officially unveiled the first wave of casting for its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, reported Variety, and the lineup is nothing short of magical. Set to premiere in 2026 on HBO Max, the series promises a faithful adaptation of JK Rowling's beloved books, bringing new depth and detail to the magical saga.

Leading the new cast is the legendary John Lithgow, who steps into the robes of Albus Dumbledore. Best known for his commanding performances in The Crown and Dexter, Lithgow brings a wealth of gravitas and heart to the role, calling it a defining moment for the "last chapter" of his storied career.

"It was a huge decision because it involves the next several years of my life," mused Lithgow in conversation with the publication. "And I'm not young. I mean, this is the last big role I'll probably play."

The actor also spoke fondly of the late Michael Gambon, who portrayed Dumbledore in the last six films, saying, "I never met him, but I always kind of idolised him. And Michael Gambon and I happened to have the same birthday, so I thought that was a kind of wizard-like touch."

Joining him is Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall. With critically acclaimed roles in Ozark and Jessica Jones, McTeer's sharp presence and emotional range make her a perfect fit for the strict-yet-loving Transfiguration professor.

Taking on the brooding, morally complex Severus Snape is Paapa Essiedu, whose Emmy-nominated work in I May Destroy You revealed his capacity for emotional nuance and layered performances. His casting has sparked conversation among fans, many curious—and eager—to see this new take on one of the series' most complicated characters.

For the role of Rubeus Hagrid, HBO taps the beloved Nick Frost, a fan favourite from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Frost's signature comedic warmth promises a cosy, affable version of the half-giant groundskeeper we know and love.

Stepping into darker territory is stage actor Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, the timid Defence Against the Dark Arts professor whose nervous exterior hides a dangerous secret. Thallon, known for his work in London's West End, brings a theatrical edge to a role that balances awkwardness with menace.

Rounding out the Hogwarts staff is British comedy veteran Paul Whitehouse, who's been cast as Argus Filch, the ever-grumbling caretaker. With his impeccable timing and deadpan delivery, Whitehouse is set to infuse Filch with both bite and unexpected humour.

Awaiting golden trio

While the faculty is coming together, the casting for the iconic trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—is still underway. An open casting call attracted over 30,000 submissions, with the production team seeking fresh faces to embody these beloved characters.

The series is helmed by showrunner and writer Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession and His Dark Materials. Director Mark Mylod, also from Succession, will direct multiple episodes, ensuring a cinematic quality to the storytelling . Filming is set to begin this summer in Hertfordshire, UK, with the production aiming to delve deeper into the source material, exploring aspects of the wizarding world previously untouched by the films.

At a press conference held in November last year, HBO chief Casey Bloys stated that Rowling was "very, very involved" in choosing both the writer and director for the series, and confirmed that her controversial views on transgender issues did not influence their choice to collaborate with her.

HBO's adaptation aims to retell the Harry Potter story over multiple seasons, dedicating each to a single book. This approach allows for a more in-depth exploration of the narrative, characters, and magical lore, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a renewed journey through Hogwarts and beyond.

As the castle doors prepare to open once more, audiences worldwide eagerly await the magic that HBO's reimagined Harry Potter series promises to deliver.