This morning, HBO announced four of the series regulars on its upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series adaptation, comprising most of the adult cast for the first season. Those roles are recent Olivier Award-winning actor John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Oscar-nominee Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, “I May Destroy You” star Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and “Cornetto Trilogy” favorite Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
In addition, recent “Hamlet” performer Luke Thallon will guest star as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Quirinus Quirrell, while five-time BAFTA-winner Paul Whitehouse will recur on the series as Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch.
In a joint statement shared with IndieWire, showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner as well as director and executive producer Mark Mylod said, “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
Though the new series aims to be an even more faithful adaptation of the “Harry Potter” books than the film franchise that remains popular to this day, author J.K. Rowling and original producer David Heyman remain attached to the project. Heyman likely will have his hands full working on the Bond reinvention taking place at Amazon MGM, but it’s unclear how deeply Rowling will be involved. The series is produced by Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. In addition to Rowling and Heyman, the show is executive produced by Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Though not an official statement, John Lithgow did seemingly announce this news back in February during an interview with Screen Rant. In regard to being offered the part that was previously played by legends like Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, he said, “It came as a total surprise to me. I got the phone call 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.’”
Speaking to IndieWire’s Vincent Perella on the Emmy’s red carpet back in September 2024, Gary Oldman expressed his interest in taking on the role of Dumbledore, as well, though doubted it would happen. He previously played Harry’s godfather Sirius Black in a number of the original films and predicted the show wouldn’t recycle past players.
“I would bet my money that they will get a whole new cast of people,” said Oldman to IndieWire. “Maybe in a few years, I could do Dumbledore.”
Casting for the young actors who will play Harry and best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger has not been announced.
