Earlier this week, HBO confirmed that six stars have officially joined the cast of the Harry Potter TV reboot.
The Harry Potter cast has been the subject of intense speculation since reboot plans were announced in April 2023, describing the upcoming show as a ‘faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series.’
HBO announced the first of its new cast this week, with Dexter star John Lithgow heading up the fantastical faculty as Albus Dumbledore.
He will be joined by Papa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost playing Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and The Fast Show’s Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.
This left the Hogwarts faithful with mixed feelings, to say the least, as nostalgic viewers expressed their feelings on the new line-up.
And, as the debate raged on, Metro readers also took to Reddit to share their thoughts on who should take on other yet-to-be-confirmed roles in the show.
1. Simon Pegg
With Nick Frost confirmed to play Hogwarts giant Hagrid, it wasn’t long before partner in crime Simon Pegg’s name also entered the running.
The pair have a long and successful history of working together, from the cult Channel 4 sitcom Spaced to their Cornetto Trilogy and sci-fi comedy Paul (2011).
‘Pegg would be a good Arthur Weasley,’ said Independent-Touch244.
‘Have to admit Pegg as Arthur is one of the best suggestions I have heard,’ agreed Morgue724.
This wouldn’t be Shaun of the Dead star Simon’s first foray into the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry either, having voiced Phineas Nigellus Black (Sirius’s great-great-grandfather) in the 2023 video game Hogwarts Legacy.
2. James McAvoy
With He Who Must Not Be Named yet to be cast, fans were full of suggestions as to who should play villainous Voldemort (oops).
And one of those names in contention was Atonement and Speak No Evil star James McAvoy.
‘Let’s start the campaign now – James McAvoy as Voldemort,’ wrote BeerMantis.
Well, the actor has form in a school full of super-powered misfits, having played Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class and its sequels.
3. Matt Smith
It could only be so long before a former Time Lord made someone’s shortlist, and the first Doctor who rated a mention was The Crown star Matt Smith.
‘I was hoping Matt Smith would be in there somewhere. Ahh well,’ said Noobitron12.
‘Can we get Matt Smith as someone, maybe Slughorn idk,’ agreed dan0314.
4. Matt Berry
As fans debated their picks for The Chamber of Secrets’ Gilderoy Lockhart (played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film), it was generally agreed that the part should go to a comedian.
And, while some dared to suggest one James Corden, another emerged as a far more canny pick – The IT Crowd and What We Do In The Shadows star Matt Berry.
Matt Berry seems like a pretty definitive Lockhart!!’ Make it happen,’ wrote @Agreeable-Sector5055.
5. Mark Strong
He had been rumoured to be playing Dumbledore, but with John Lithgow now confirmed as the school’s headmaster, where does that leave Mark Strong?
Many haven’t given up on the Kick-Ass star appearing in the show, perhaps as Dumbledore’s malicious, no-nosed counterpart…
@estellapath wrote: ‘I know he often gets type-casted as a villain, but I think he could make a great Voldemort…’
‘Mark Strong would be way better as Voldemort,’ agreed Relative_Wallaby1108.
6. Mark Gatiss
In a list that also included Jessica Hynes, Jack Whitehall, and fellow League of Gentlemen star Reece Shearsmith, kg-27 put forth Mark Gatiss as Nearly Headless Nick.
And, in the comments below, MinatoHikari chimed in, saying: ‘I’d take Mark Gatiss as [Cornelius] Fudge.’
7. Michelle Gomez
While the masses were more interested in debating the merits of white men named either Matt or Mark, not all of the Harry Potter ladies had been forgotten.
nednerb kicked things off by suggesting of House of the Dragon star Rachel Redford, but it was former Doctor Who Master – sorry, Missy – Michelle Gomez who emerged as top pick to play Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange.
‘Michelle Gomez would also be great,’ said EBJ1990.
‘omg Michelle would be fantastic!!!’ agreed loveisdead1582.
Plans for the TV reboot are thundering on in spite of fans’ trepidation and the continued involvement of the franchise’s creator, JK Rowling.
The author, 59, will serve as an executive producer for the upcoming series. She has been heavily criticised by some for her outspoken views on the trans community, with many calling for a boycott of the show.
Following the announcement of the HBO TV show, Harry Potter news group Wizarding News demanded a boycott, writing on X that ‘any new Harry Potter TV show made with or by JK Rowling will be met with loud and constant protest’.
What did JK Rowling say?
In 2020, Rowling shared her views about an article which referred to ‘people who menstruate’, questioning why the term ‘women’ was not used.
She said: ‘If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.
‘The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women—i.e., to male violence—‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences—is a nonsense.
‘I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.’
Her comments led to a wave of backlash and were branded by some as transphobic, while many who claimed they were once fans of Rowling’s work distancing themselves from the author.
Meanwhile, Daniel Radcliffe shared in a statement: ‘I feel compelled to say something at this moment. Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.’
He added: ‘It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.’
Emma Watson shared on X: ‘Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are. I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you, and love you for who you are.’
And Rupert Grint told The Times: ‘I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men.’
Those critical of Rowling’s views include Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, as do co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
Meanwhile, she has been defended by others such as Miriam Margolyes and her one-time Voldemort, Ralph Fiennes.
Responding to the boycott plans, Rowling wrote on X: ‘Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.’
The Harry Potter TV show will stream exclusively on Max.
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