The Harry Potter cast is taking shape for HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation.
Next month marks 14 years since the final part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hit the big screen and brought the film franchise to an end.
A decade and a half later, a TV reboot is on the way in a move that isn’t without controversy, given JK Rowling’s comments about the trans community.
There are still some big names already confirmed for the cast, and a trio of young stars ready to make their names as Harry, Ron and Hermione.
The casting news is still rolling out too, as Deadline has reported that The Crown’s Bertie Carvel is being lined up to play Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge.
HBO hasn’t addressed that particular rumour yet, but there are several roles which have already been announced – so let’s break them down.
Albus Dumbledore – John Lithgow
John Lithgow was the first name to be attached to the Harry Potter series when he let slip he had been cast as Albus Dumbledore.
He’ll be playing the Hogwarts headmaster played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the original films.
‘It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid,’ he previously told Screen Rant. ‘But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.’
Severus Snape – Paapa Essiedu
Paapa Essiedu has some big shoes to fill as Severus Snape, following on from the late, great Alan Rickman.
There has been plenty of conversation around Essiedo too after his previously support of LGBTQ+ rights, which JK Rowling has said wouldn’t impact his role despite ‘beliefs that differ from her’.
Away from Potter, he’s best known for his roles in the likes of I May Destroy You, Gangs of London and Black Mirror.
Minerva McGonagall – Janet McTeer
Stage and screen actress Janet McTeer has been cast as Minerva McGonnagal in the series.
The role was originated by the late Dame Maggie Smith, but Janet will be hoping to put her own stamp on the role.
Across film and TV, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress has appeared in the likes of Wuthering Heights, As You Like It, The Menu and Ozark.
Harry Potter – Dominic McLaughlin
Finding the right Harry Potter is vital for the new series, and show bosses think they’ve done just that with Dominic McLaughlin.
Daniel Radcliffe’s successor has some acting experience, having appeared alongside Game of Thrones’ Indira Varma in a Shakespearean production of Macbeth.
He’s also set to star in the ensemble cast for Sky film Grow, a comedy including Bridgerton’s Golda Rosheuvel.
Hermione Granger – Arabella Stanton
Following in Emma Watson’s footsteps as Hermione Granger is Arabella Stanton.
She’s no stranger to playing a clever clogs with magic powers, having portrayed Road Dahl’s character Matilda Wormwood on the West End.
Last year, she appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller-skate musical Starlight Express as Control.
Ron Weasley – Alastair Stout
Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley, rounding off the iconic young trio.
Like Rupert Grint before him, Alastair is a true newcomer – thus far, he’s only had a fleeting appearance in a Jersey Royal potato advert.
Fans will be looking forward to seeing him bring the same cheeky charm to Ron as his predecessor, while putting his own stamp on the character.
Rubeus Hagrid – Nick Frost
Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost has the unenviable task of stepping into the late Robbie Coltrane’s enormous Hagrid-sized boots.
He’ll be playing the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper – and later professor – in the film, and he’s promised he was ‘never going to try’ and imitate the late actor.
‘‘I’m going to try and do something, not “different”’ I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there’s scope for minutia,’ he told Collider.
‘I always read Hagrid as he’s like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can’t wait.’
Argus Filch – Paul Whitehouse
David Bradley left a lasting impression as sneering and grumbling Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch.
For the HBO series, Paul Whitehouse will be the one roaming the corridors with Mrs. Norris in hand.
From The Fast Show and Gone Fishing to Alice in Wonderland, The Death of Stalin and Corpse Bride, he’s already built an impressive legacy.
Quirinus Quirrell – Luke Thallon
Quirinus Quirrell only appears in the Philosopher’s Stone, but he plays a vital role in the Harry Potter franchise.
Getting the nervous and jittery Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher right is an important one, and Luke Thallon follows on from Ian Hart in taking on the role.
It will mark his TV debut, although he’s had plenty of experience on the West End in the likes of The Room, Family Voices and Patriots, while he reprise his role from the latter on Broadway.
Who else has been rumoured for the Harry Potter TV reboot cast?
There are still so many key characters yet to be officially cast – and Lord Voldemort is among them.
There are a couple of names in the running, with reports suggesting Cillian Murphy could follow in Ralph Fiennes footsteps, while Tom Hiddleston has also been linked.
Warner Bros TV boss Channing Dungey told Deadline in April that they were ‘still weighing a couple of different options’ for the villain.
Other as yet unconfirmed casting reports include Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, with Robert Hardy previously playing the Minister of Magic on the big screen.
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