The Truth Behind HBO’s Harry Potter Casting

HBO’s long-awaited Harry Potter television series is officially underway, with several key cast members now confirmed. The announcement has sparked renewed excitement among fans eager to see the wizarding world reimagined for the screen. While some casting news has been met with acclaim, the series has also become the subject of online rumours and misinformation—including unfounded claims about lead roles and behind-the-scenes controversy. Here’s what’s officially confirmed, and what’s not.

Confirmed Cast Members:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

The acclaimed actor, known for his roles in The Crown and 3rd Rock from the Sun, will bring his depth and experience to portray the wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Essiedu, recognised for his exceptional performance in I May Destroy You, steps into the shoes of the complex and conflicted Potions Master, bringing a fresh, intense interpretation to this iconic character.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Award-winning actress Janet McTeer, known for her work in Tumbleweeds and The Woman in Black, will play the formidable Transfiguration professor. McTeer’s portrayal will undoubtedly bring both the strength and warmth of McGonagall to life.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Beloved for his comedic roles in films like Shaun of the Dead, Nick Frost will take on the role of Hogwarts’ Keeper of Keys and Grounds. Fans can expect a tender and humorous performance from Frost as he portrays the gentle giant who nurtures Harry’s love of magical creatures.

Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell

Luke Thallon, best known for his stage performances, will bring his talent to the character of Professor Quirrell, the stuttering Defence Against the Dark Arts instructor. Expect a nuanced portrayal of this character’s hidden depths.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse, famous for The Fast Show and The Thick of It, will take on the role of Hogwarts’ grumpy caretaker. Whitehouse’s comedic background promises to bring an intriguing, yet authentic, spin on the character.

Debunking the Rumours:

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Hermione Granger

Recently, a rumour surfaced online suggesting that British actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers would be playing Hermione Granger in HBO’s Harry Potter series. While Amewudah-Rivers is a talented actress known for her role in the 2024 West End production of Romeo and Juliet, this claim is entirely speculative.

As of May 2025, HBO has not confirmed any of the lead casting choices, including for Hermione. The series has held an open casting call for young actors aged 9 to 11 in the UK and Ireland, and official announcements regarding the main trio are expected in the coming months.

At 26 years old, Amewudah-Rivers does not meet the age criteria for the character of Hermione, who is depicted as being between 11 and 18 years old in the books. The casting team has emphasised the importance of selecting actors who align with the ages of the characters as described by J.K. Rowling.

False Claims: J.K. Rowling Did Not Try to Fire Paapa Essiedu

Following the announcement that Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, a baseless rumour circulated online suggesting that J.K. Rowling attempted to have him removed from the cast due to his support for transgender rights.

This speculation stems from Essiedu signing a public letter in support of trans, non-binary, and intersex communities, a move that some believed would draw ire from Rowling. However, Rowling has directly refuted the rumour. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she clarified:

“The author of this article might want to read up on the protected characteristic of belief, under which Paapa is perfectly entitled to support gender identity ideology, just as I’m entitled to believe it's harmful. I wouldn’t fire him even if I had the power. Grow up.”

Rowling emphasised that she does not have the authority to remove cast members from the HBO production and would not do so even if she did. HBO has also made no indication of any changes to Essiedu’s role, and filming is still scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

In short, Paapa Essiedu remains fully confirmed as part of the cast, and any suggestions of conflict behind the scenes are unfounded.

What’s Next for the Main Trio?

While the casting for Harry, Hermione, and Ron remains under wraps, the production team has been working tirelessly to select the perfect young actors for these iconic roles. The team has conducted an extensive search, with more than 32,000 young actors auditioning for the main trio’s roles in an open call across the UK and Ireland.

Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, with the series slated for release in 2026. The production team is committed to honouring the beloved legacy of J.K. Rowling’s magical world while offering a fresh perspective on the story.

As we wait for the official announcement of the main trio, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s to come from this exciting new chapter in the Harry Potter saga.