Harry Potter’ HBO Series Confirms Casting for Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Hagrid and More Hogwarts Staffers

HBO's highly anticipated "Harry Potter" television series has officially announced its cast for several iconic Hogwarts staff members, signaling a fresh yet faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved novels. The series, which is scheduled to premiere on Max in 2026, aims to provide fans with a more complete portrayal of the original books by delving deeper into the wizarding world. A Stellar Lineup of Hogwarts Faculty
Leading the cast is Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow, who will portray the wise and enigmatic headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow's extensive career spans theater, film, and television, with notable roles in "The Crown" and "Dexter."
Joining him is Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, the stern yet compassionate Transfiguration teacher and Deputy Headmistress. McTeer, an Oscar-nominated actress, is known for her performances in "Ozark" and "Jessica Jones."
Severus Snape, the complex Potions Master with an enigmatic past, has been cast as Paapa Essiedu. His roles in "I May Destroy You" and "Gangs of London" have won him a BAFTA nomination. Rubeus Hagrid, Hogwarts' lovable half-giant and Keeper of Keys and Grounds, will be played by Nick Frost. Frost is best known for his work in the "Cornetto Trilogy," including "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz."
Luke Thallon, who plays Professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse, who plays the irritable caretaker Argus Filch, round out the cast. Behind the Scenes: The Work of Creative Minds The series is helmed by showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on "Succession" and "His Dark Materials." Additionally from "Succession," Mark Mylod will serve as an executive producer and direct several episodes. J.K. Rowling returns as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation remains true to her original vision.
Each season of the series will correspond to one of the seven books, allowing for a detailed exploration of the storylines and characters. Filming is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the original filming location for the Harry Potter films.

Embracing Diversity and Staying True to the Source
The casting choices reflect a commitment to diversity and authenticity. Notably, Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape has sparked discussions about representation, with some fans expressing concerns over the departure from the original portrayal by Alan Rickman. However, many applaud the decision to align the characters' ages and backgrounds more closely with the books.
Executive producer David Heyman emphasized the importance of staying true to the characters' canonical ages, noting that Snape will be portrayed as being in his early 30s, consistent with the timeline of the books.
Anticipation Builds for a Magical Return
As the series progresses through pre-production, fans eagerly await further casting announcements, particularly for the central trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. With a blend of seasoned actors and fresh faces, HBO's "Harry Potter" series promises to offer a rich and immersive experience that honors the original material while bringing new depth to the beloved story.