HBO's Harry Potter reboot casts key roles

The highly anticipated HBO Harry Potter series has taken its first major step forward as the initial six cast members have been officially announced. While we're still waiting to discover who will portray iconic roles like Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Voldemort, we now have confirmation on the actors bringing beloved faculty members like Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape to life.

Continue reading to see which actors have been confirmed for these pivotal roles and which key characters still need casting.

Confirmed Hogwarts Faculty Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

Award-winning actor John Lithgow will portray the wise and powerful Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The legendary wizard serves as Harry's mentor while guarding secrets about his own complex past, including his tragic connection to dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

Lithgow brings an impressive resume including acclaimed roles in 3rd Rock From the Sun, Dexter, Interstellar, and The Crown.

Previous Dumbledore actors: Richard Harris (first two films), Michael Gambon (remaining films), with younger versions played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Tony and Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer transforms into the formidable Professor McGonagall, Gryffindor's stern but caring head of house who helps orchestrate Harry's journey into the wizarding world.

McTeer has distinguished herself in projects like Albert Nobbs, The Menu, and Ozark.

Previous McGonagall portrayals: Dame Maggie Smith in films, Fiona Glascott in Fantastic Beasts.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Emmy-nominee Paapa Essiedu inherits the complex role of Potions Master Severus Snape, whose mysterious motives and bitter history with Harry's parents make him one of the series' most compelling characters.

Essiedu gained recognition for his work in I May Destroy You and Black Mirror.

Previous Snape actors: The iconic Alan Rickman in films, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Beloved comedic actor Nick Frost will embody the gentle half-giant Hagrid, whose fateful visit to the Dursleys alters Harry's life forever.

Frost is best known for his work in Edgar Wright's Cornetto trilogy and Attack the Block.

Previous Hagrid casting: Robbie Coltrane played the role in films, with Martin Bayfield portraying a younger Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Rising star Luke Thallon takes on the role of Harry's nervous first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Quirrell.

Thallon has appeared in The Favourite and Present Laughter.

Previous Quirrell portrayal: Ian Hart

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Comedic actor Paul Whitehouse will play the grumpy Hogwarts caretaker Filch, always ready to catch students breaking rules with help from his feline companion Mrs. Norris.

Whitehouse has appeared in The Fast Show, The Death of Stalin, and Tim Burton's Alice films.

Previous Filch actor: David Bradley

Characters Still Awaiting Casting:

Main trio Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger

Antagonists: Lord Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange

Supporting characters: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Umbridge

Weasley family members

And many more fan favorites...

For deeper dives into the Wizarding World, explore our ranking of top 25 Harry Potter characters, the producers steering HBO's reboot, and our comprehensive Harry Potter book guide.