HBO has finally confirmed six cast members for their upcoming Harry Potter series.
After much speculation, the network has confirmed the first six actors that have landed the most sought after roles; Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid and Minerva McGonagall in the upcoming TV series.
The plan is for each season to represent each of the books – so season one will be based on book one and so on and the show is expected to run for around 10 years.
Fans should not have too long to wait either, with Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, David Zaslav previously sharing that the release date would be in 2026.
New stars will be taking over the roles of Harry, Hermione and Ron – replacing the three original stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
The series, which was confirmed in 2023, was labelled as a ‘faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling’.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer, said.
Now, the network has revealed who will be taking over some key roles.
Nick Frost will be taking over for Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid. The Hot Fuzz actor shared on social media; “Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won’t let you down.”
Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow has been cast as the iconic Albus Dumbledore – announcing the news earlier this month, he admitted it ‘came as a total surprise to me’. Speaking to Screenrant, he said: “I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid.
“But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision.
“I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Taking on the role of Minerva McGonagall is Golden Globe winner, Janet McTeer.
Also mentioned is Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Quirinus Quirrell and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape.
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the line-up. One wrote: “All of them have really big shoes to fill,” while another agreed “Wow, that’s a solid casting line-up for the Harry Potter TV series,”.
“Great castings but we are still waiting on the big three,” another penned.
