HBO has officially announced key cast members for its highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, set to begin filming this summer in Hertfordshire, England. The series aims to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, with one season dedicated to each novel.
Leading the ensemble is six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow, known for his roles in The Crown and Terms of Endearment, acknowledged the challenge of portraying the beloved headmaster, stating he is working with a dialect coach to perfect the role.
Joining him is the long-rumored Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Essiedu, acclaimed for performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London, brings a fresh perspective to the complex character originally portrayed by Alan Rickman.
Janet McTeer takes on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Nick Frost steps into the shoes of Rubeus Hagrid, promising to honor the legacy of Robbie Coltrane.
Additional cast members include Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, rounding out the Hogwarts faculty.
Casting Continues for Harry, Hermione, and Ron
While the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley remain uncast, HBO has conducted an extensive search, with over 32,000 children from the UK and Ireland auditioning for the iconic trio.
Production Details and Release Timeline
The series is set to begin filming in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Francesca Gardiner (Succession) serves as showrunner and lead writer, with Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. J.K. Rowling is on board as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation remains true to the source material.
The Harry Potter series is slated for a 2026 release on HBO, promising to delve deeper into the wizarding world and introduce the beloved story to a new generation of fans.
