HBO confirms first cast members for ‘Harry Potter’ TV series

US-based pay television service known for its premium content, Home Box Office (HBO) has officially announced the first round of casting for its upcoming Harry Potter television series, confirming several high-profile names who will bring iconic characters from the wizarding world to life.

The newly confirmed series regulars include John Lithgow (Conclave, The Crown) as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds, The White Queen) as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Gangs of London) as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) as Rubeus Hagrid

All four had previously been reported to be in talks for the series, and their casting is now official.

Joining them in recurring roles are Luke Thallon (Leopoldstadt, Patriots) as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Harry & Paul) as Argus Filch.

“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.

“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and fellow executive producer.

These are the first confirmed cast members for the highly anticipated adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling fantasy series.

Casting for the lead trio — Harry, Ron, and Hermione — is still underway, with HBO having launched an open call last fall that reportedly drew over 30,000 submissions. Filming is scheduled to begin this summer.

HBO is describing the series as a “faithful adaptation” of the original Harry Potter books. According to the official description, the show will be “exploring every corner of the wizarding world,” with “each season bring[ing] ‘Harry Potter’ and its incredible adventures to new and existing audiences.”

The series is written and executive produced by Gardiner, who also serves as showrunner. Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes.

The production is a collaboration between HBO, Brontë Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television. J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts will executive produce on behalf of Brontë Film and TV, alongside David Heyman of Heyday Films.