‘Harry Potter’ HBO Series: Confirmed Cast, Production Details & Release Date

Update Note (07/15/2025): HBO has begun filming the new Harry Potter series, now scheduled for 2027, and released the first official images of the cast including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. New casting announcements include Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley. More details below. The most magical franchise in entertainment is making its comeback: Harry Potter will receive a live-action TV series on HBO, based on all seven books about the boy wizard created by J.K. Rowling. With a planned 2027 premiere, the series promises a faithful adaptation of the original material, a completely new cast, and an ambitious ten-year runtime. Filmelier has compiled everything you need to know about the series below, which will have controversial author J.K. Rowling as executive producer under a ten-year contract. Meanwhile, check here where to watch all Harry Potter films online.

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The Harry Potter series is a reboot, not a spinoff

Unlike Fantastic Beasts and other derivative works, this new production will be a complete reboot of the original saga. The concept involves adapting each of the seven books in detail, with more room to explore the magical world, characters, and story arcs. The project was announced in April 2023 during the official presentation of the new HBO Max platform (formerly Max), which merged HBO Max and Discovery+. Since then, Warner Bros. Discovery has been gradually confirming information about the production’s structure, cast, and behind-the-scenes details.

Meet the confirmed cast of HBO’s Harry Potter series

With the cast beginning to be revealed, HBO’s new Harry Potter series promises to bring together established names and rising talents. Below, we present the actors already confirmed or in advanced negotiations, highlighting their major works – information that helps understand the tone and potential of this new adaptation.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

A veteran of film and television, John Lithgow is one of Hollywood’s most respected names. Winner of two Emmy Awards for his role as Winston Churchill in The Crown and Oscar-nominated for The World According to Garp, the actor also shone in Dexter, Interstellar and recently in Conclave. His casting as Hogwarts’ headmaster brings immediate prestige to the production and promises a more dramatic and imposing Dumbledore.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

One of the most talked-about names in the new phase of British TV, Paapa Essiedu stood out in the award-winning series I May Destroy You, for which he received an Emmy nomination. He also starred in The Lazarus Project and Gangs of London, always in complex, nuanced roles – exactly what Snape requires. His casting represents a bold reinterpretation of the character immortalized by Alan Rickman.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

British actress Janet McTeer is in advanced negotiations to play Professor McGonagall. With memorable performances in Ozark, Jessica Jones and the film Albert Nobbs (which earned her an Oscar nomination), McTeer has the ideal bearing and presence to portray the head of Gryffindor House with authority and sensitivity.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Known for his sharp British humor, Nick Frost became a pop culture favorite through comedies like Shaun of the Dead and The World’s End. With his mix of sweetness and imposing physical presence, he should bring charisma and levity to the role of gamekeeper Hagrid – originally played by Robbie Coltrane.

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Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Actor Luke Thallon, considered a rising star of British theater, is set to portray the mysterious Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in the first season. Though less known to mainstream audiences, Thallon has earned praise for his performances in London theaters and independent projects, and may surprise as the unsettling Quirrell – one of the central figures in The Philosopher’s Stone.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Paul Whitehouse, British comedian known for his work on The Fast Show, takes on the role of Hogwarts’ grumpy caretaker, Argus Filch. The choice balances the character’s classic humor with the new production’s darker tone.

Other confirmed cast members in HBO’s Harry Potter series

In addition to the already announced protagonists and Hogwarts professors, HBO has revealed new names joining the cast for the first season of the Harry Potter series. The selection reinforces the production’s commitment to introducing iconic characters as early as Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, offering new interpretations of familiar faces for fans. Here are the most recently confirmed actors:

• Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, the clumsy but courageous classmate of Harry in Gryffindor.
• Amos Kitson will portray Dudley Dursley, Harry’s spoiled cousin who lives with him at his aunt and uncle’s house.
• Louise Brealey (from Sherlock) will play Professor Rolanda Hooch, responsible for flying lessons on broomsticks.
• Anton Lesser (The Crown, Game of Thrones) will play the experienced and enigmatic Garrick Ollivander, maker of magical wands.
• Katherine Parkinson will play Molly Weasley, the caring and firm matriarch of the Weasley family.
• Lox Pratt takes on the role of Draco Malfoy, Harry’s rival at Hogwarts.
• Johnny Flynn will play Lucius Malfoy, patriarch of the Malfoy family and one of the influential wizards in the magical community.
• Leo Earley will play Seamus Finnigan, known for his small disasters with spells.
• Alessia Leoni will play Parvati Patil, one of Hermione’s classmates.
• Sienna Moosah will portray Lavender Brown, future classmate and romantic interest of Ron.
• Bel Powley has been cast as Petunia Dursley, Harry’s aunt.
• Daniel Rigby will play the stern Vernon Dursley, Harry’s uncle.
• Bertie Carvel completes the cast as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.

Meanwhile, other actors are in negotiations for the production. Rumors suggest Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) is being considered for the role of villain Voldemort/Tom Riddle.

Who will play Harry, Ron and Hermione?

It’s now official: HBO has revealed the three leads for the new Harry Potter series. After an extensive selection process that saw over 32,000 children audition, young actors Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout were chosen to play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively. Learn more about them below!

Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter

The new actor playing pop culture’s most famous wizard will be Dominic McLaughlin, whose credits include a role in the BBC action-adventure series Gifted. Though new to television, McLaughlin impressed producers with his intensity and charisma – essential elements for bringing “The Boy Who Lived” to life.

Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger

Arabella Stanton was chosen to play Hermione Granger. The actress has stage experience and gained recognition playing Matilda in Matilda – The Musical in London’s prestigious West End theater scene. Her background suggests a Hermione who’s determined and passionate about knowledge, just as in J.K. Rowling’s books.

Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley

Rounding out the trio is Alastair Stout, also new to screen acting, cast to play Ron Weasley. Described by producers as charismatic and spontaneous, Stout promises to bring the balance of humor, loyalty and emotion that defines the character.

Careful selection after global auditions

The casting process took months and involved open auditions for children aged 9 to 11 residing in the UK and Ireland, exactly as happened with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the first film adaptation. HBO and casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann emphasized their commitment to inclusive and diverse casting, encouraging agents to submit candidates of all backgrounds, genders and ethnicities. In an official statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod said: “After an extraordinary search, we’re proud to announce our Harry, Hermione and Ron. The chemistry between them is magical, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet them.”

Filming has begun – see the first official images

Production on the Harry Potter series officially began in the European summer of 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK – the same location used for the original films. To mark the start of production, HBO released the first official images of the cast in costume. The photo of Dominic McLaughlin shows the young actor as Harry Potter, wearing the iconic round glasses and Hogwarts uniform, ready for his magical journey. Meanwhile, Nick Frost appears transformed into Rubeus Hagrid, in full costume with a look faithful to the character from the books and films.

According to HBO, filming will initially focus on scenes from the first season, based on the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, featuring iconic locations like Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express.

Who’s behind the new Harry Potter series

The creative team for the Harry Potter series brings together top-tier talent from British television, known for their narrative and visual sophistication. Francesca Gardiner, chosen as showrunner, has written for acclaimed series like Succession and His Dark Materials, demonstrating skill at adapting complex universes with emotional depth. Direction of the first episodes will be handled by Mark Mylod, Emmy-nominated for his work on Succession and also responsible for memorable episodes of Game of Thrones. In the writers’ room, the addition of Laura Neal, head writer for the final season of Killing Eve, promises to bring sharp insight into psychological conflicts and strong female characters. Costumes will be designed by Holly Waddington, Oscar winner for her striking work on the visuals of Poor Things, suggesting a carefully considered aesthetic approach to the magical universe. The production is led by Brontë Film and TV in partnership with Warner Bros. Television. Author J.K. Rowling serves as executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, in an effort to maintain the essence of the books while adapting them for a new format and generation.

What to expect from the Harry Potter adaptation

The new series will be faithful to the original books and feature a fresh cast

According to HBO, each season will adapt one of the saga’s books with greater narrative depth, featuring a new cast and long-term production. The goal is to offer fans a more complete experience, with more developed story arcs and greater fidelity to the original work. The project was announced with an expected ten-year runtime, though it hasn’t been confirmed whether seasons will be released annually.

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Here’s HBO Max’s official description:

“The stories from each Harry Potter book will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craftsmanship, love and care this global franchise is known for. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fans, full of fantastic details, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. Each season will be faithful to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences worldwide, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the heart of the franchise and available to watch globally.”

Reactions and controversies surrounding the production

J.K. Rowling’s return to the center of production caused division on social media, particularly due to her controversial positions on gender issues. Still, the franchise remains strong among fans, and the fresh casting has reignited enthusiasm for the story. The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape also sparked online debates, with some audience members questioning the character’s changed ethnicity. On the other hand, many praised the choice, highlighting the Emmy-nominated actor’s talent.

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When does the Harry Potter series premiere on HBO?

The new Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max. The date change (previously estimated for 2026) follows the start of filming, which officially began in the European summer of 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK.

As the series plans to adapt one book per season, with ambitious production and high technical standards, the schedule will be spaced out to ensure quality and fidelity to J.K. Rowling’s work.

Where to watch the new Harry Potter series

The series will stream globally on HBO Max

The new series will air on HBO and be available on the HBO Max streaming platform. Tip for fans: While waiting for the new series, check out where to watch all Harry Potter movies and dive back into the magical world! Review the correct order to watch the films. [Article from 04/17/2025, updated on 07/15/2025]