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. However, as per Deadline, HBO is eyeing Nick Frost for the role in the television series. Even though it’s too early to predict if he will bag the role in the Harry Potter TV series cast or if it will be passed to someone else, fans seem extremely satisfied with the news.
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 Harry Potter movies, and Fiona Glascott played her role in Fantastic Beasts. Now, as per the reports from Deadline, Janet McTeer is being eyed for the role of Dumbledore’s right-hand. However, the actress has not yet commented anything about the deal.
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. Well, that’s what the reports suggest. However, nothing can be said with full certainty until Essiedu comments on it.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is one of the most versatile actors who can pull off any role with brilliance. While fans might be thrilled to see the actor’s name on the list, let’s not keep our hopes high as his involvement in the HBO series has yet to be officially confirmed. It is rumored that the actor will play the character of Professor Quirinus Quirrell on the screen. Yes, the same professor who was a temporary Horcrux in the series and the one who appeared as an antagonist in the first Harry Potter film.
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.
Source: Beebom
