The long-awaited “Harry Potter” television adaptation at Max has officially begun to take shape with the announcement of six key cast members—including some familiar names and a few unexpected surprises.
“Harry Potter” Cast
Among those taking on iconic roles in the reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding saga are acclaimed actor John Lithgow, who will portray the wise and formidable Albus Dumbledore, and Nick Frost, stepping into the boots of the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Lithgow follows in the footsteps of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law, while Frost will bring new energy to a character immortalized by the late Robbie Coltrane.
Also joining the series are Janet McTeer as the fiercely intelligent and sharp-tongued Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as the complex and brooding Severus Snape. McTeer and Essiedu both bring a wealth of stage and screen experience, with Essiedu best known for his powerful turn in I May Destroy You and McTeer earning accolades across Broadway and television.
Two recurring roles were also revealed. Rising stage star Luke Thallon has been cast as the nervous and secretive Professor Quirinus Quirrell, previously played in the films by Ian Hart. Meanwhile, veteran actor Paul Whitehouse will appear as the cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch. Interestingly, Whitehouse is the first actor cast in the series who also had a role in the original film franchise—he portrayed Sir Cadogan in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.
The Harry Potter series is being billed as a “faithful adaptation” of the original seven books, with each season set to dive deep into the narrative of one novel. While HBO has not confirmed the exact breakdown, the show is expected to span a decade-long run. The streamer has also clarified that the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs will not be part of the main storyline—though references may appear organically as part of Hogwarts curriculum, much like in the original films.
Production is slated to begin this summer at Leavesden Studios near London, the same location where the original films were shot and where the Harry Potter Studio Tour is housed today.
Key roles still to be cast include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger—the iconic trio originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Casting for these central characters remains underway, with HBO reportedly holding open calls for children aged 9 to 11.
“Harry Potter” Creative Team
The series is written by Francesca Gardiner (“Succession”, “His Dark Materials”) and will be helmed by veteran director Mark Mylod (“Succession”, “Game of Thrones”), both of whom also serve as executive producers. J.K. Rowling, along with Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films, will also executive produce.
While no premiere date has been confirmed, the new “Harry Potter” series is shaping up to be a major cornerstone of Max’s content lineup over the next decade. With a blend of new and established talent and a promise of deeper storytelling, fans of the Wizarding World have plenty to look forward to.
