Harry Potter HBO Series Reveals Cast – How It Compares to the Original Movies

The Wizarding World is buzzing again — not with a new film or spin-off, but something even more nostalgic: a full-fledged Harry Potter TV series reboot, officially coming to HBO Max. 

And now, we finally have our first peek into the new cast of Hogwarts.

The First Wave of Casting is Here

While the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione are still unannounced (over 30,000 auditions and counting), HBO has revealed the names of six major supporting characters — and there’s definitely some bold moves here.

• John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

• Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall

• Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

• Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

• Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell

• Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

While it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Alan Rickman as Snape or Maggie Smith as McGonagall, the casting choices for the reboot suggest a commitment to blending seasoned talent with a fresh, bold reinterpretation of these characters.

It’s also worth noting that Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Severus Snape has sparked some debate online. While some fans feel the choice doesn’t align with the original portrayal they grew up with, others are open to a fresh take, seeing this as a chance for the reboot to bring new energy and dimension to beloved characters.

Comparing the Reboot to the Original Films

Let’s be honest — the original Harry Potter film series is iconic. But it also had to cut and condense massive portions of the books just to fit within runtime limits. 

The upcoming series, however, promises a book-faithful adaptation, with each season dedicated to one book. That means more character development, more side plots (yes, SPEW fans, rejoice), and a slower, richer storytelling pace.

Behind the scenes, there’s also a tonal shift. Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials) is serving as showrunner, with Mark Mylod (Game of Thrones, The Menu) directing — two names known for layered storytelling and darker tones. 

This hints that the series might lean deeper into the political, moral, and emotional complexities of the wizarding world.

As expected, reactions online have been a mix of cautious optimism and nostalgic hype:

“John Lithgow as Dumbledore? Not what I expected, but now I can't unsee it. The man has RANGE.”

“I really hope this show explores the Marauders properly. We've waited long enough.”

The sentiment seems to be: if you’re going to reboot Harry Potter, do it right — and so far, HBO seems to be listening.

Filming is set to begin in Summer 2025, and the show is expected to premiere on Max (formerly HBO Max) in 2026. 

The first season will follow Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and every detail released so far suggests the studio is taking its time to get this right — from music to set design to a more inclusive and globally diverse cast.

Whether you're cautiously curious or already lining up your house scarf, one thing is clear: the magic is returning, and this time, it’s going to take its time.

Reboots are risky business. But in this case, it’s not just about retelling a story — it’s about retelling it right. And if the cast announcements are any sign, we’re in for a magical reimagining that respects the legacy while adding new layers to the legend.