HBO Unveils ‘Harry Potter’ Remake Cast: The Magic Is Back with New Hagrid, Snape, and More!

by

Revelio!

HBO has finally announced the adult cast of its Harry Potter TV series.

Following numerous speculations in the media about potential casting, none of which had been verified by HBO until now, they finally addressed the issue and revealed six actors who will play the central adult characters in their adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s cherished books.

Just as anticipated, award-winning actor John Lithgow (from ‘Conclave’) has been cast in the pivotal part of the affectionate and insightful Headmaster Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts.

Or

According to predictions, it’s John Lithgow from ‘Conclave’ who will assume the significant role of the beloved and intelligent Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in Hogwarts.

The Academy Award-nominated actress, Janet McTeer, known for her role in “Ozark”, is set to portray the strict character of Professor Minerva McGonagall from the Transfiguration department.

According to The Hollywood Reporter’s initial report, Paapa Essiedu, known for his work in Black Mirror, is set to portray the cynical character of Professor Severus Snape.

Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) will play the lumbering Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.

All four will serve as series regulars in the show.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Luke Thallon steps into the role of the enigmatic Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrell in this production. Furthermore, Paul Whitehouse, known for his hilarious work on Harry & Paul, will breathe life into the grumpy caretaker Argus Filch.

Francesca Gardiner, our showrunner and executive producer, along with Mark Mylod, who directs several episodes and serves as an executive producer, are thrilled to have such exceptional talent joining us. They can’t wait to watch these characters they cherish being reimagined,” said the duo.

John Lithgow has openly acknowledged that he’s taken on the role, expressing his feelings by saying, “Making this decision wasn’t effortless because it will significantly shape the final phase of my life. However, I’m thrilled about it. It seems that some exceptional individuals are once again focusing their efforts on Harry Potter. This is the reason behind my struggle to decide. By the time we wrap up, I’ll be approximately 87 years old, but I’ve agreed to do it.

Essiedu’s casting for Snape has sparked debate among some fans since Snape is often seen as a white character, notably played by the late Alan Rickman in the Warner Bros. movie adaptations. Mylod stated, “No one can replace Alan Rickman, but we can find the actor who embodies him next.”

or

Fans are discussing Essiedu’s casting as Snape, given that he is traditionally portrayed as white and was famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the Warner Bros. films. Director Mylod says, “We can’t replace Alan Rickman, but we can find someone who embodies him next.”

or

Essiedu’s casting as Snape has ignited conversation among fans because he is typically pictured as white and was previously played by the late Alan Rickman in the Warner Bros. movies. Mylod expressed, “Alan Rickman can’t be replaced, but we can find an actor who embodies him.”

or

The casting of Essiedu as Snape has stirred some debate among fans due to his character traditionally being portrayed as white and Alan Rickman’s iconic performance in the Warner Bros. films. Mylod stated, “No one can step into Alan Rickman’s shoes, but we can find another actor who embodies him.

HBO’s plan is to adapt each of Rowling’s seven novels into a season of television.

As of now, the actors for the significant characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco haven’t been chosen yet. Since these characters are only eleven years old in the first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” it would be logical to cast them close to the start of filming. HBO announced that they plan to commence shooting in mid-2025, and over 32,000 children have auditioned for these young roles so far. Each day, their team reviews between 500 and 1,000 auditions.

We haven’t definitively decided yet, but we’re narrowing down our options in January during a brainstorming session. And let me tell you, some of the contenders are really impressive.” Mylod further explained that they aim to highlight “the best acting talent Britain has to offer, this rich history of exceptional stage performers, and naturally, we’ll be adhering to the books’ original castings based on their canonical status.

HBO restated their announcement about the upcoming adaptation of the Harry Potter series: “This series will stay true to the enchanting Harry Potter book series written by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling, boasting a fresh and gifted cast that will captivate a new wave of fans while maintaining the intricate details and beloved characters cherished by Harry Potter enthusiasts for over two decades. The show will delve into every nook and cranny of the magical universe, bringing the enthralling tales of Harry Potter to both fresh and long-term viewers. It’s set to premiere exclusively on Max, accessible in numerous regions worldwide, including Turkey, U.K., Germany, Italy, and more. The iconic movies will continue as the heart of the franchise, accessible for fans across the globe.

Previously, Casey Bloys, head of HBO, commented on the debates surrounding J.K. Rowling, who has faced criticism for her views against transgender individuals. “I’m perfectly fine with it,” said Bloys, “and I’m not anxious about it.” He added that last year’s success of the Hogwarts video game shows he’s not worried about audience reactions to Rowling’s opinions.

The show is overseen by the production team consisting of J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts (from Brontë Film and TV), and David Heyman (from Heyday Films).

Read More

2025-04-14 16:25