"Harry Potter TV Series Reveals First Six Cast, Including Hagrid, Snape"

Warner Bros. and HBO have officially announced the first six actors who will bring fresh interpretations to iconic Hogwarts teachers in the highly anticipated Harry Potter series. After months of speculation and fan theories about the new take on Harry, Hermione, and Ron's adventures, the casting reveal has finally arrived.

Leading the ensemble is John Lithgow, known for his roles in Conclave and Dexter, who had previously confirmed his role as Albus Dumbledore. Joining him are Nick Frost, famous for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu, acclaimed for I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, as Severus Snape. The cast is completed by Janet McTeer (Me Before You, The Menu) as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon (The Favourite, Present Laughter) as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Alice Through the Looking Glass) as Argus Filch.

(Top, left to right): John Lithgow (credit: Jessica Howes), Janet McTeer (credit: Andrew Crowley), Paapa Essiedu (credit: Ruth Crafer). (Bottom, left to right): Nick Frost (credit: Lee Malone), Luke Thallon (credit: Phil Sharp), Paul Whitehouse (credit Mike Marsland). Image provided by Warner Bros.

In a joint statement, showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and director and executive producer Mark Mylod expressed their excitement: “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”

The roles of Dumbledore, Hagrid, and Snape are not only central to the Harry Potter universe but are also significant in broader pop culture. John Lithgow, reflecting on the challenge of portraying Dumbledore, shared his thoughts with ScreenRant in February: “I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Movies Like Harry Potter

11 ImagesWhile the release date for the new Harry Potter series remains undisclosed, filming is expected to start soon. Details on how the series will diverge from J.K. Rowling's original novels or the film adaptations from the 2000s and early 2010s are still under wraps. However, Warner Bros. has assured fans that the series will explore Harry's story "a little bit more in depth than you can in just a two-hour film." J.K. Rowling is involved in the show's development, which has stirred some controversy.

For those eager to learn more, you can find additional information in our latest update on the casting for Harry, Hermione, and Ron.