This is what they call the “dark arts,”
Photo: Warner Bros/Everett Collection
HBO is really making the first scripted Harry Potter show. Yes, the decadelong project, rebranded as an HBO Original instead of a Max Original, has the series’ controversial anti-trans author J.K. Rowling onboard as an executive producer, but who else is going to bring the Boy Who Lived to life again? The main trio — Harry, Ron, and Hermione — as well as a gaggle of fellow Hogwarts first-years, professors, and alumni have been cast so far. Below, everything else we know ahead of the planned release date, including who else is officially heading to Hogwarts.
Max has declared that this “decade-long series” will span all seven Harry Potter books in a “faithful re-creation” of the text, promising that the show will be made with “the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years.”
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch
— Actually HBO Max (@StreamOnMax) April 12, 2023
Yup. Warner Bros. stands by her involvement and is speaking to the book series’ message of “acceptance” (their words). On November 20, Variety reported the studio defended Rowling’s “right to express her personal views” in a short statement. They concluded, “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
At a Q&A after the show was announced in April 2023, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max content Casey Bloys confirmed that Rowling, who has been aligning herself on Twitter with far-right figures posting content that is not only transphobic but also racist, “will be involved” with the series as an executive producer. “I think her insights are going to be incredibly helpful on that,” Bloys said.
Bloys deflected a question about Rowling’s transphobic comments, saying, “I don’t think this is the forum,” and “Our priority is what’s onscreen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is very affirmative and positive and about love and acceptance.” Bloys dismissed the question because it’s “a very online conversation,” which, like … what do you think a streaming service is, Casey? Where do you think it streams?
In a written statement, Rowling said, “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series.” Look at how easy it was for Joanne to pivot to using the platform’s new chosen name! Almost like it’s an easy, reasonable thing to do.
Harry Potter himself will be played by newcomer Dominic McLaughlin. He’s joined by his soon-to-be best friends for life, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Draco Malfoy is Lox Pratt, who gets Johnny Flynn for a father figure as Lucius Malfoy, a role originated by Jason Isaacs. These were announced on June 9 alongside Bel Powley as Aunt Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown. HBO also set Tony and Olivier Award winner Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. Does a 33-year-old Aunt Petunia mean we’ll get flashbacks to Lily and James Potter before their deaths? Or is everyone getting the Hot Snape treatment?
Now, we have a familiar face. Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the original films, will reprise his role for the next generation. Other (new) professors joining him are: Sirine Saba joins as the Herbology Professor Pomona Sprout, Richard Durden follows as History Professor Cuthbert Binns (and first ghost professor of Hogwarts), and Bríd Brennan as Madam Poppy Pomfrey, who was the nurse of the school.
As for new kids on the block, a few more wizards are on their way to Hogwarts. Elijah Oshin will play Dean Thomas (Gryffindor), Finn Stephens will play Vincent Crabbe, and William Nash will be Gregory Goyle — both Slytherins and friends of Malfoy.
It’s time to meet the Weasleys. On August 19, HBO confirmed who will play Ron’s red-headed siblings. Going from oldest to youngest of the Weasleys, Ruari Spooner will play Percy Weasley, Tristan Harland stars as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland stars as George Weasley, and Gracie Cochrane will be Ginny Weasley. No word yet on who will play the eldest Weasley brothers, Bill and Charlie.
John Lithgow will don Albus Dumbledore’s white beard; he confirmed the news in an interview with Screen Rant shortly after the rumors began circulating. He had some doubts as the role would define the “last chapter” of his career. However, he’s willing to go out with a Bombarda.
I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, Ozark’s Janet McTeer will transform into Minerva McGonagall, and Hot Fuzz’s Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid as series regulars. For guest spots, West End actor Luke Thallon was cast as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Whitehouse is getting a redemption arc— he was in deleted scenes for the third Harry Potter film as Sir Cadogan. “We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,” showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod shared in a statement through HBO. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
In September 2024, HBO posted an open casting call searching for the lead trio. The call specified that it was looking for children from the United Kingdom or Ireland who will be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025, and noted HBO’s commitment to “inclusive, diverse casting.”
HBO is going all in on Succession. Per Entertainment Weekly, Succession writer Francesca Gardiner has been brought onboard as the showrunner and lead writer, while Succession director Mark Mylod will executive-produce and direct multiple episodes. (Who’s better at delivering insults, Logan Roy or Severus Snape?) Gardiner previously wrote for HBO’s adaptation of His Dark Materials and executive-produced Killing Eve, while Mylod’s directing credits include Game of Thrones and The Menu.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a February earnings call that the Harry Potter series is aiming for a 2026 premiere, so we’ve still got a while until TV Hogwarts will be ready open its doors and tries to make some magic happen.
This post has been updated.
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