Harry Potter movies may have been over, but their legacy lives on with other projects. Previously, HBO confirmed that a Harry Potter television series is in the works. It will tell the same story as we saw in the movies, but it will feature an entirely different cast. While the cast for Harry, Hermione, and Ron has yet to be confirmed, some of the cast members of the TV show have been confirmed. Here’s all you need to know about the Harry Potter TV series confirmed and rumored cast.
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Originally played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the Harry Potter films, Albus Dumbledore is one of the most significant characters. He is the perfect mentor and the epitome of hope who protects Hogwarts and its legacy from threats. Dumbledore also mentors Harry Potter in his battle against the Lord of Darkness, i.e., Voldemort. Three actors have portrayed the character so far in the Harry Potter cast, and now, finally, we will see the six-time Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow stepping into the shoes of the iconic character. The actor confirmed the huge news in an interview with Variety in February 2025.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Here comes another fan-favorite character of the franchise. He is the one to help Harry achieve what he was born for. To be precise, he is the one to tell Harry about his wizarding roots and help him escape the torturous life that his relative gave him. Later, he becomes a member of the golden trio, Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Whether they want to share their victory or their sorrows, Hagrid always shows up. Hagrid blessed Harry with all the love and warmth that he had always craved.
Robbie Coltrane played Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies, and he was the sole reason for the character’s fame. Now, HBO has confirmed Nick Frost has been included in the Harry Potter TV series cast to play Hagrid.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Like Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall cares extremely for Hogwarts and its students, and she can go beyond her limits to keep them safe. She is the pillar of integrity and strength that makes her an ideal mentor for the students of Hogwarts. She initially served as the no-nonsense deputy headmistress and later became the headmistress of the School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. Like Hagrid, she never fails to guide Harry Potter as she is very well aware of the boy’s potential. She also becomes his shield plenty of times to protect Harry from falling prey to Snape’s conspiracies.
Maggie Smith portrayed the character in the Harry Potter movies, and Fiona Glascott played her role in Fantastic Beasts. Now, it has been confirmed that Janet McTeer has been cast officially for the role of Minerva McGonagall.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Severus Snape is one of the most complicated characters J.K. Rowling has blessed us with. Initially, he seems to be a true antagonist, but as the story moves forward, we realize that he is a man driven by love, guilt, and redemption.
Earlier, it was Alan Rickman, who made Severus Snape one of the most-remembered characters from Harry Potter, and now, it’s turn for Paapa Essiedu to be included in the Harry Potter TV show cast as the misunderstood professor. Harry Potter TV series’s showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner has confirmed that Severus Snape will be played by Paapa Essiedu.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Professor Quirinus Quirrell played an important role in Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. He was the antagonist in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, who was possessed by Lord Voldemort. In fact, in the books, he was turned into a temporary Horcrux. In the movies, the role of Professor Quirrell was played by Ian Hart.
Now, it has been confirmed that the Harry Potter TV Series cast will feature Luke Thallon in the role of Professor Quirrell. Luke is a British actor best known for his outstanding performance in stage plays and theatres. He received a nomination for the Evening Standard Award in 2017 for his incredible acting in Albion.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Who could forget Argus Filch and his beloved cat, Mrs Norris, in Harry Potter movies? Argus Filch was the Caretaker of Hogwarts School and played a rather notorious role. Filch was a squib in Harry Potter lore. For those who are unaware, Squibs are non-magical persons in the Harry Potter universe who are born to at least one magical parent.
The character of Argus Filch was played by David Bradley. Now, for the Harry Potter TV series, Paul Whitehouse has been cast in the role of Argus Filch. Paul is a Welsh actor with some major accolades to his name. Paul Whitehouse is known for his performance in Rudy Hell! It’s Harry and Paul, a sketch comedy, for which he won the 2011 BAFTA Award for Best Comedy Programme.
So, these are all confirmed and rumored Harry Potter TV series cast. We will keep this article updated as new rumors or official confirmations follow.
