Feels like just a few years ago I watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the first time. “Yer a wizard, Harry” and of course, that iconic John Williams score.
But time flies. Here we are in 2025, 24 years since that magical journey began on screen.
A new era is beginning at Hogwarts. But not without a few sparks flying even before the first spell is cast.
When HBO confirmed the cast for its much-anticipated Harry Potter TV reboot, fans across the world leaned in. After all, how do you recreate a world so deeply rooted in nostalgia, magic, and childhood memories?
As someone who grew up spellbound by the original films, I’ll admit—this news hit me like a swirling mix of Felix Felicis and Veritaserum. Excitement, curiosity, and an uncomfortable swirl of questions.
Let’s start with the confirmed names.
Who are the cast members of the new Harry Potter TV series?
HBO
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore might be the most unexpected casting choice, but it holds immense potential.
Lithgow, an American actor, has an impressive range that stretches across both comedy and drama. His portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown earned him widespread acclaim, and his roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Footloose, and Dexter showcase his versatility.
He has the charm, mystery, and thoughtfulness that Dumbledore demands. In the Harry Potter series, Dumbledore is far more than just the headmaster of Hogwarts. He’s a character layered with wisdom, compassion, and secrets. He can be playful in one moment and deadly serious in the next. Lithgow’s ability to bring emotional nuance to his roles makes him a strong contender to capture this complexity.
Even though I’m a fan of Michael Gambon’s powerful and commanding portrayal, I always had a soft spot for Richard Harris. There was a calm, cool elegance in his Dumbledore that felt like he stepped straight out of the pages. And I know I’m not alone. Many fans hold Harris’s version close to heart. That’s why I was secretly hoping to see his son, Jared Harris, step into the role. He’s an incredibly talented actor and it would have felt like a poetic continuation.
That said, I first saw John Lithgow in Daddy’s Home 2, where he played an overly affectionate, goofy dad with perfect comic timing. Later, in Interstellar, he portrayed a wise, grounded father figure, adding emotional weight to the story. This range, from heartfelt comedy to serious drama, makes his casting as Dumbledore particularly intriguing.
If he can bring that same quiet strength and twinkle-in-the-eye wisdom to the role, John Lithgow might just offer a version of Dumbledore that feels both refreshing and deeply rooted in the spirit of Harry Potter.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid can bring a fresh and unique flavour to the role of the gentle half-giant. I must say I like this casting. Known for his standout comedic performances in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End, Frost has a rare talent for blending humour with genuine emotion. His comedic timing is impeccable, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to add layers of heart to his characters.
This ability is what makes him an unexpectedly brilliant choice for Hagrid, a character who is both a source of comic relief and an emotional pillar in the Harry Potter series.
Hagrid, while often the lighthearted caretaker of Harry and his friends, is also a deeply compassionate and loyal figure. His towering frame and boisterous personality often conceal a vulnerability that Frost has the capacity to bring to the forefront.
Whether it’s his nurturing side when he takes care of magical creatures or his fierce protectiveness of Harry, Frost’s ability to deliver both the humour and the sincerity in his roles will allow him to capture the full emotional range of Hagrid.
In particular, Frost’s past performances have shown his skill in portraying characters that are both larger-than-life and emotionally complex.
In Shaun of the Dead, for instance, he balanced irreverent comedy with moments of deep emotional resonance, particularly in his relationship with Simon Pegg’s character. This mixture of strength and sensitivity will serve him well in Hagrid’s role, as he’ll need to show the half-giant’s playful, endearing side while also tapping into the more protective, fatherly aspects of the character.
If Frost can tap into that vulnerable warmth beneath Hagrid’s towering frame, we might just see a new version of the character, one that feels both familiar and fresh.
Hagrid’s love for his magical creatures, his unwavering loyalty to Harry, and his gentle nature could all shine through with Nick Frost’s unique blend of comedy and heart, making this casting an exciting prospect for fans.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer steps into the sharp shoes of Minerva McGonagall with a blend of elegance, intelligence, and authority. Known for her versatile acting, McTeer has impressed audiences in a variety of roles, from the intense drama of Albert Nobbs to the gritty suspense of Ozark. McTeer has a commanding presence on screen, and it’s this very strength that will make her a compelling McGonagall in the Harry Potter universe.
Minerva McGonagall, the no-nonsense Transfiguration professor and Head of Gryffindor House, is a character defined by her blend of stern authority and deep care for her students. McTeer’s ability to portray strong-willed, complex women will allow her to capture McGonagall’s sharp intellect, loyalty, and hidden warmth.
In Ozark, McTeer played a character who exudes both calm control and underlying danger, a skill that could easily translate to McGonagall’s balanced, often strict demeanor, while never losing the heart beneath it.
What sets McTeer apart is her ability to create nuanced, multi-dimensional characters. McGonagall, despite her strictness, has a soft spot for the students she cares for, and it’s this softer side McTeer will likely highlight. Her ability to convey both tough love and maternal care will be key in capturing the essence of McGonagall, a woman who, while fiercely protective and authoritative, always has her students’ best interests at heart.
As McTeer steps into the formidable shoes of McGonagall, we can expect a layered, dynamic performance. Her knack for balancing strength with vulnerability promises a version of McGonagall that is both compelling and true to the spirit of Harry Potter, with the elegance and wisdom that fans have come to adore.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Severus Snape has sparked significant conversation and intrigue, with many wondering how the actor will tackle one of the most complex and conflicted characters in the Harry Potter universe. Known for his exceptional performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London, Essiedu brings a depth of emotional intelligence and nuance that could redefine Snape in ways fans may not expect.
Snape is a character of contradictions—cold, calculating, and often cruel, yet driven by deep love, loyalty, and regret. Essiedu’s experience in portraying multifaceted personalities will allow him to explore both Snape’s harsh exterior and the vulnerability beneath it.
His role in I May Destroy You, where he portrayed a character grappling with personal trauma, showcased his capacity to convey inner conflict and hidden pain. This ability will undoubtedly help him embody Snape’s emotional turmoil, adding a new layer of complexity to the character.
Personally, I was expecting to see Benedict Cumberbatch take on the role of Snape. His deep, almost hypnotic voice has always reminded me of Alan Rickman’s distinctive tone, and I thought he would bring that same gravitas to the character.
Adam Driver was another name I saw frequently suggested by fans, and honestly, I agreed with them. His intensity and brooding presence would have made him a great Snape as well. While Essiedu’s casting has stirred up some mixed reactions, I’m still eager to see how he interprets this iconic role.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Paul Whitehouse’s casting as Argus Filch is an interesting choice that promises to bring an added layer of depth to the notoriously grumpy Hogwarts caretaker.
Whitehouse, known for his exceptional work in the BBC sketch comedy series The Fast Show, has a knack for transforming comedic characters into something memorable. His experience opposite Harry Enfield in Harry & Paul showcases his versatile comedic timing, which will serve him well in capturing Filch’s often irritable and impatient nature.
Beyond comedy, Whitehouse’s work in Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing with Bob Mortimer reveals a gentler, more reflective side to his acting, which might add unexpected nuance to Filch’s character.
Despite Filch’s stern and unapproachable demeanor, Whitehouse could bring out the more human side of the character, perhaps delving into Filch’s hidden loneliness and yearning for belonging.
Whitehouse’s experience on stage in Only Fools and Horses The Musical also adds to his ability to bring humor and heart to larger-than-life characters, making him an intriguing choice for Filch, a role that often blends both humor and bitterness. His presence on screen will no doubt provide a fresh take on Filch, giving fans something both familiar and new to enjoy.
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
Luke Thallon’s casting as Quirinus Quirrell is an intriguing one, especially given the complexities of Quirrell’s character.
Thallon, who has built a strong reputation on the stage with roles in Patriots, Albion, and Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt, has proven his ability to handle deep, multi-layered roles. His portrayal of Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production shows his capacity to embody troubled, conflicted characters, which will undoubtedly serve him well in playing Quirrell.
Quirrell, who is both a timid and vulnerable character while secretly harboring dark ambitions, requires a delicate balance of vulnerability and menace.
Thallon’s previous stage experience suggests he has the emotional depth to explore Quirrell’s inner conflict, his fear of Voldemort’s influence, combined with his personal desperation and insecurities. His performance is expected to bring new layers to the character, perhaps exploring Quirrell’s descent into darkness with a level of empathy and depth that fans haven’t seen before.
Thallon’s ability to create characters with emotional complexity will add a new dimension to Quirrell, making him more than just a villainous figure. His nuanced approach could bring a fresh perspective to Quirrell’s tragic role in the series, providing an interpretation that is both captivating and unsettling.
A Cast That Surprised Us All
It’s bold. It’s diverse. And it’s definitely unlike the versions we’ve seen before.
John Lithgow—known for his brilliance in The Crown and 3rd Rock from the Sun—feels like a curious yet dignified pick for Dumbledore. Paul Whitehouse, better known for his comedy roots, will become the ever-grumbling Argus Filch. And Luke Thallon brings a fresh face to Quirinus Quirrell.
But all eyes, and most opinions, are sharply focused on Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Snape. The same Snape once so hauntingly portrayed by the legendary Alan Rickman.
Snape, Nostalgia, and the Clash of Change
Snape wasn’t just a character. He was a feeling—of darkness, of pain, of sacrifice.
Fans were quick to pull out Rowling’s description: a pale, sallow-skinned man with greasy black hair and cold black eyes. Many argue that Paapa doesn’t “look like” Snape. Others have gone as far as calling it forced representation.
Some backlash crossed a line—reminding us how difficult it still is for stories to evolve without resistance.
I agree. Readers would love a sense of continuity. Fans of the Harry Potter movies have strong emotional ties to the original cast.
But here is a perspective I would like to offer as someone who values the story more than appearances. Snape is not about his skin color. He is a tragedy. A protector. A complicated soul.
If an actor can bring that depth to life, do we really need his nose to be hooked? Or his skin to be pale?
The Bigger Picture: A World Reimagined
The casting of this series might not be about replicating the past—it may be about reframing it. Giving new faces the chance to tell old stories. Creating a version that today’s generation can connect with—while still holding a wand to the past.
JK Rowling is closely involved, and the showrunners have promised a “faithful adaptation” of the books, which is a big comfort. Unlike the time-bound limitations of the films, this series could explore what the movies had to rush through. Side stories. Depths of emotion. More Hogwarts. More heart.
Filming starts this summer. The series might arrive as early as 2026. But one thing’s for sure—it has already begun to stir emotions across the wizarding world.
My Thoughts, as a Muggle Fan
Do I miss Alan Rickman? Always.
As a boy growing up watching Harry Potter, the cast will always have a special place in my heart.
Whether it’s Michael Gambon bringing a charismatic, stylish Dumbledore to life, Maggie Smith embodying the caring yet disciplined Professor McGonagall, Robbie Coltrane’s warm and humorous portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid, David Bradley’s perfectly grumpy Argus Filch, or Alan Rickman’s unforgettable blend of coldness and depth as Severus Snape.
Will I give Paapa Essiedu a chance to surprise me? Absolutely.
Will I watch this series, wand in hand, heart wide open? Without a doubt.
While a few of the major castings are still yet to be announced, who knows, we may even see Cillian Murphy as the Dark Lord.
At the end of the day, it’s not about replacing the magic, it’s about reigniting it for a new generation.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most magical thing of all.
