HBO officially confirms the first 6 cast members for new Harry Potter series

HBO has officially announced the first six actors for its new Harry Potter television adaptation. The network revealed the stars who will portray Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid and Minerva McGonagall in this high-profile remake of the popular book series. Each season will cover one of JK Rowling's novels. The show will likely premiere in 2026, according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.

Fresh performers will take the roles of Harry, Hermione and Ron, previously played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in the movies, while different actors will portray other key characters. The series was announced in 2023 as a "faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling." The show is expected to continue for at least ten years.

Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of several episodes and executive producer, stated: "We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life."

Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid, succeeding the late Robbie Coltrane. After the announcement, Frost posted on Instagram: "Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won't let you down."

Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts' headmaster, despite rumors that Mark Rylance was favored for the role. Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, with Michael Gambon taking over for the remaining movies. Jude Law played a younger version in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Lithgow revealed his casting earlier this month, saying it "came as a total surprise to me." He told Screenrant: "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."

Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will assume the role of Minerva McGonagall, previously played by Dame Maggie Smith.

Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer will take on the role of Minerva McGonagall after Sharon Horgan and Rachel Weisz were reportedly considered for the part.

The impressive cast also includes Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape.

Fans quickly shared their reactions on Twitter following the announcement. One viewer commented, "All of them have really big shoes to fill." Another stated, "Wow, that's a solid casting line-up for the Harry Potter TV series."

A third fan expressed surprise at the selections: "Ain't no way they dropped a lineup like that... Nick Frost as Hagrid is wild, but Paapa Essiedu as Snape? This finna be a whole new vibe. HBO not playin."

"Great castings but we are still waiting on the big three," remarked a fourth person, referring to the yet-to-be-announced actors for Harry, Ron, and Hermione.