Harry Potter casting news: Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch confirmed

It's an exciting day for anyone following the development of the HBO Harry Potter television series. While rumors have circulated for weeks or months, HBO has always said that they will make announcements of roles for its upcoming adaptation when deals are finalized. In an exciting press release on April 14 2025, it made six announcements for major players in the first season and the series as a whole.

What roles have been cast?

The list of accolades included in the press release is extensive,, including Emmys, BAFTAs, Oliviers, and Oscars among the nominations and wins amassed by this already-outstanding cast. Said Francesca Gardiner, show runner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and producer, "We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to life."

One of the longest-standing "confirmations" was John Lithgow taking on the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, since he first made mention of it in February. The American actor recently won an Olivier Award for his role in Giant and thanked the British theatrical community for welcoming him and his wife "so thoroughly to England." He has said that this will "define the last chapter of [his] life."

Next we heard that we had contenders for Professors Snape and McGonagall. Janet McTeer is another Oliver Award winner who also drew praise and a Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Clementine Churchill in Into the Storm.

Paapa Essiedu, a 34-year-old Shakespearean actor, is confirmed now to be playing Professor Severus Snape. He is an Emmy, Oliver, and BAFTA nominee. His casting confirms the commitment of the show to cast age-appropriate actors for the roles and furthers the cause described by Deadline:

"With the HBO series, theHarry Potter franchise continues to build a more inclusive and racially diverse universe, an effort that started with the casting of Noma Dumezwemi as Hermione in the long-running stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

Deadline

It’s good to see attention paid to performance that will be more than skin deep.

As a fan of Star Wars, I rejoiced at the news that Nick Frost, voice of the gruff-yet-loyal SM-33, would play Rubeus Hagrid. His comedic background makes him a great choice.

The last two roles are “guest roles” of Professor Quirrell and Mr. Filch. The first will certainly have a limited run, as the infamously two-faced character meets his end in the last chapter of the first book. Luke Thallon is a relative unknown, having first appeared in The Favourite in 2018 and featuring in only a few other projects. His potential is vast. Finally, Paul Whitehouse has been cast as the ill-tempered caretaker of the Hogwarts castle. Whitehouse has won five BAFTAs for his light comedy and it will be interesting to see him on the more curmudgeonly side of things.

Thanks to all the folks at Warner Brothers and MAX for this exciting news. We’ll be watching eagerly for what comes next.