The
Harry Potter
television show has finally revealed its star-studded cast – with British comedy legends from Shrek and The Fast Show in leading roles.
Set to be produced as an
HBO
Original, there have been
countless reports recently over who will star in the new series
based on the
JK Rowling
novels, which is due out in 2026.
It has officially been confirmed who exactly will be taking on the iconic roles and enter the magical wizard world as regular characters in the series.
The highly acclaimed six-time
Emmy
, two-time Tony Award, Olivier winner, and
BAFTA
and Oscar nominee John Lithgow is confirmed to step into the shoes of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
John previously performed the voice over for Lord Farquaad in the 2001 Shrek movie.
Rubeus Hagrid, who was the gamekeeper and groundskeeper of the school and known for his long hair and beard, is set to be portrayed by BIFA nominee Nick Frost.
While Tony Award, Golden Globe, and Olivier winner, and Oscar and Emmy nominee Janet McTeer will be professor Minerva McGonagall, who was previously played by the late Dame Maggie Smith in the films.
Emmy, Olivier, and BAFTA nominee Paapa Essiedu is set to play Severus Snape, who was portrayed by Alan Rickman in the films.
The show will also feature guest appearances, including from comic Paul Whitehouse who previously starred on The Fast Show and will play Argus Filch.
Luke Thallon will portray Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Quirinus Quirrell.
Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner said: ‘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.’
Executive producer and director Mark Mylod added: ‘We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.’
The new series is aims to ‘lead a new generation of fandom’ and hopes to recapture the beloved details Harry Potter fans have enjoyed for 25 years.
It will be executive produced by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Neil Blair and David Heyman.
Back in 2023,
the Mail’s Alison Boshoff revealed
how Rowling would personally approve all of the key castings in the forthcoming series.
The author previously 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.’
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