After what felt like months of conjecture and whispers, the first six cast members of the next Harry Potter series have been formally revealed.

HBO has been relatively quiet about the show’s cast up until this point, despite the mention of several notable names like Mark Rylance and Cillian Murphy.

The producers have revealed a roster of ‘amazing talent’ as JK Rowling’s Wizarding World is brought to life once more.

Fans will be glad to know that some of the predictions were right, with John Lithgow having previously confirmed his role as Albus Dumbledore.

However, it appears like we will have to wait a little longer for the key parts (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) after an open casting call last fall. Now, let’s take a closer look at the first six cast members.

John Lithgow portrays Albus Dumbledore.

The Dexter actor appeared to confirm the job earlier this year, having previously stated in an interview with ScreenRant that he was very eager for it.

Now, it’s official that Lithgow will play Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore.

“It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid,” he told me. “Some amazing people are returning their attention to Harry Potter. That is why it has been such a difficult decision. The actor also mentioned that he will be 87 by the end of the series.

Janet McTeer portrayed Minerva McGonagall.

The Ozark and Wuthering Heights actor has been hired as stern Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Maggie Smith, of course, originated the post of deputy headmistress and head of Gryffindor House, which Fiona Glascott performed in the Fantastic Beasts prequels.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

The Gangs of London star, who was rumored to play Professor Snape alongside Peaky Blinders’ Murphy, is the next person to take on the job.

The late Alan Rickman was long associated with the Professor of Potions, and Essiedu will play the Half-Blood Prince in the television adaptation of Harry Potter.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

As fans expected, the Hot Fuzz star would play affable groundskeeper Hagrid.

Following his casting in the HBO series, Frost remarked on Instagram, “Thank you for entrusting me with such a loyal, gentle, and courageous half-giant as Rubeus Hagrid.” Robbie, I vow not to let you down.

Luke Thallon portrayed Quirinus Quirrell.

The British stage actor has been cast as Quirinus Quirrell, the major antagonist from the first Harry Potter novel.

Thallon, who plays the recurrent part, was named by The Stage in 2022 as one of the top 25 theater creators of the future, and he has garnered several honors for his performances on stage.

Paul Whitehouse portrays Argus Filch.

Welsh actor Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, who does not possess any magical abilities.

Known for his roles in The Fast Show, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, and Harry & Paul, the actor continues David Bradley’s legacy as the squib and custodian of Hogwarts.

The New Series

“We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon, and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell, and Filch,” stated executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod.

“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”

Gardiner wrote the series, which will last for more than a decade, and Mylod will direct several episodes.

Production will commence at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the summer of 2025. We anticipate the release in late 2026/early 2027, despite the lack of a set date.