HBO‘s upcoming Harry Potter TV series has finally revealed the first members of its spellbinding new cast – and fans are absolutely buzzing.
In a move that’s sent shockwaves of excitement across the fandom, Hollywood heavyweight John Lithgow has been announced as the new Albus Dumbledore, with the ever-charismatic Nick Frost set to play the loveable half-giant Hagrid.
The bold casting choices have gone down a storm with Potterheads, many of whom took to social media to praise HBO for ‘getting it spot on.’
Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman.
The casting, which was officially announced this week, forms part of HBO’s hotly anticipated reboot of J.K. Rowling‘s seven-book series – a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films.
Fans say this could be the most exciting reboot yet, with many calling the casting ‘perfectly magical’ and praising the diverse, inclusive approach taken by producers.
One fan was overjoyed: ‘This Harry Potter cast is John Lithgow as Dumbledore & Nick Frost as Hagrid—spot on! Paapa Essiedu as Snape is bold choice; curious to see his spin. Janet McTeer, Luke Thallon & Paul Whitehouse round out an epic lineup.’
The highly acclaimed six-time Emmy, two-time Tony Award, Olivier winner, and BAFTA and Oscar nominee John Lithgow (pictured) is confirmed to step into the shoes of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore
While Tony Award, Golden Globe, and Olivier winner, and Oscar and Emmy nominee Janet McTeer (pictured) will be professor Minerva McGonagall
While another added: ‘HBO’s Harry Potter TV series has cast its regulars (not those ones). Parallel universes unlocked. This is the casting I actually need to see.’
One chimed in: ‘Say what you will about the whole Harry Potter HBO series but I honestly think this is a perfect casting.’
But one particular casting caught fans attention with heaps of people describing Nick Frost being cast as Hagrid as ‘inspired’.
One wrote: ‘Not remotely interested in the Harry Potter TV series but Nick Frost as Hagrid and Paul Whitehouse as Filch is great casting.’
Another added: ‘Nick Frost as Hagrid might be the best casting so far for this new series, he was my fan cast for Hagrid, Robbie did such a great job and one of the few castings from this films that came right off the page so it will be hard to live up to but Nick Frost just seems to perfect.’
A third said: ‘Damn Nick Frost as Hagrid is inspired casting. Great choice.’
A fourth agreed: ‘Nick Frost as Hagrid is going to be great! He has a very lovable and funny demeanor.’
Rubeus Hagrid, who was the gamekeeper and groundskeeper of the school and known for his long hair and beard, is set to be portrayed by BIFA nominee Nick Frost (pictured)
Emmy, Olivier, and BAFTA nominee Paapa Essiedu (pictured) is set to play Severus Snape, who was played by Alan Rickman in the films
Some fans are now buzzing to see the rest of the cast list, as Harry, Ron and Hermione have not yet been selected.
‘Some cracking actors! Excited to see the rest,’ said on fan.
An open call for British and Irish child actors aged 9–11 – regardless of race, gender identity, or background – has been seen as a refreshing change for such a major franchise.
The show is being steered by Francesca Gardiner, whose credits include Succession and His Dark Materials, and Mark Mylod, who will direct.
According to insiders, J.K. Rowling has already read and approved the pilot script, giving it her blessing and fuelling expectations for a faithful retelling.
Filming is set to begin this summer at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, where the original films were shot.
But perhaps the biggest question still hanging in the air is – who will play the golden trio?
With more than 30,000 hopefuls auditioning for the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the world is waiting with bated breath for the announcement that will define a generation of wizarding fans.
Despite some predictable grumbles from critics claiming the series might be ‘too woke’, many fans have hit back, saying they’re excited to see a fresh take on the magical world they grew up with.
The show is expected to land on HBO Max in 2026, with each season covering one of Rowling’s beloved books – giving creators plenty of room to explore characters and storylines that didn’t make it into the films.
