Murray Close
The magic of Harry Potter is being reimagined for the next generation – and existing Potter fans around the world – thanks to HBO’s upcoming TV series. With ‘Potterheads’ (the official term for Harry Potter fans) and the wider public so familiar with the film’s original cast, the TV line-up has been subject to much speculation. Well, finally, the actors playing some of the main roles have been revealed with John Lithgow – who was previously confirmed to play Dumbledore – calling his casting “a total surprise”.
The Harry Potter books are one of the world’s most loved fiction series, inspiring eight blockbuster films and further spin-offs, as well as theme parks, endless merchandise and more. In 2023, HBO announced a brand new TV show was in the works and John Lithgow (who recently won an Olivier for his stage role as Roald Dahl) was announced to play Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, in February this year. Now, more of the main adult roles have been secured, with a perfectly cast line-up announced. Here’s everything we know so far about the new TV series including when it could be on our screens…
What is the Harry Potter TV series about?
Murray Close
HBO has promised that the new series will be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series” in a release, and has brought J.K. Rowling on as executive producer. The author praised the TV series in a statement as allowing “a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.”
While the major film series covered much of the books’ plots, many moments didn’t make it into the scripts due to the time constraints of a single film per book (aside from the final novel, which played out over two films). We know however that the TV series has been confirmed to run for multiple series (planned to run consecutively over the next decade), which will explore “every corner of the wizarding world.” For this reason, we’re hoping that the TV adaptation will delve into much of the detail loved by fans of the original books, which wasn’t included in the film series. One of the most beloved characters who didn’t make the final movie cut was poltergeist Peeves, but whether the role will be included this time around is yet to be revealed.
HBO also promise that the series will usher in a “new generation of fandom” and will be “full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years.”
Who will star in the Harry Potter TV series?
The most anticipated roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are yet to be announced, along with other key Hogwarts students. However, the main adult roles at the school have now been cast.
Speaking about taking on the role of Dumbledore, John Lithgow told Screen Rant that “it came as a total surprise to me,” and “it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life”. However, he said he was, “very excited” that attention was coming back to Harry Potter, adding “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
The other confirmed cast members include:
John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun, The Crown) as Albus Dumbledore
Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Gangs of London) as Severus Snape
Dave Benett
Janet McTeer (Wuthering Heights, The Menu) as Professor McGonagall
Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) as Hagrid
Dominik Bindl
Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Harry & Paul) as Argus Filch
Eamonn McCormack
Luke Thallon (Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet) as Quirinus Quirrell
Eamonn M. McCormack
How can I watch the Harry Potter TV series?
The series is expected to air in 2026, although there’s a chance it could be pushed back to 2027. Filming is due to start this summer, with the rest of the cast announcements expected soon. The series is being made by US network HBO and will stream on MAX, so we’d expect it to air on Sky and NOW in the UK as is typical with HBO shows. Rest assured, HBO has confirmed it will definitely be available to watch in the UK!
