GQ's HBO Harry Potter cast power list is updated frequently.
When you think about it, 14 years — yes, it has been almost a decade and a half since The Deathly Hallows Pt. II — is a pretty long time to go without a reboot for a franchise as huge as Harry Potter, not least in the age of IP. Yeah, sure, the Fantastic Beasts movies scratched an itch for the wannabe wizards of the world, and the triple-A video game Hogwarts Legacy provided a veritable Floo Network for millions of Potterheads. But neither holds a magically floating candle to the O.G. films, right? So now comes a TV series adapting the original books from HBO, which is expected to be epic in length and, as such, release over the course of a decade (or more). The series is due to be released at the end of 2026, as revealed in the first trailer, which you can watch below.
The film series made stars of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, and boosted the international profiles of beloved British and Irish character actors — Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Robbie Coltrane, Imelda Staunton, et al. There’s little doubt, then, that HBO’s Harry Potter is the hottest casting target for British talent this side of Game of Thrones, even if it is weighed down by the widely reported controversy around J.K. Rowling's online comments on trans rights. (HBO head Casey Bloys has described Rowling as “fairly involved” with the series’ development, while noting that her presence hasn't put anyone off signing up, per IndieWire.)
Nevertheless, all involved have a formidable challenge on their hands. Can they live up to the beloved character portrayals that gave the movies their magic?
Whatever the case, they're already working on the second season before the first has even come out — ordinarily that might point to confidence in what they're making over at Potter HQ, but in this case, it seems more to be a sign of the mammoth task on their hands. (Regardless, it's not like they're gonna suddenly drop the Harry Potter TV show midway through adapting the books.) And the latest news relates to that work: Nicholas Hoult has just been announced as joining the show's second season in a significant role from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
You can read more about the HBO Harry Potter cast below.
Confirmed cast
The HBO Potterverse has officially found its Harry, Ron and Hermione. As expected, it's three screen newcomers: Dominic McLaughlin lands the titular part played in the films by Daniel Radcliffe, while Arabella Stanton comes in for Hermione, and Alastair Stout will play Ron. Don't they look sweet? No pressure, kids.
McLaughlin was pictured at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden — just outside of Watford, to the north west of London — in a Hogwarts gown and Potter's signature circular glasses. (We can't see a lightning scar in his forehead, but that might just be hidden by his hair.)
Executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod were quoted as saying: “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.
“We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
From Superman's Lex Luthor to another slimy — but less bald, at least per the source material — villain in the Potterverse, Nicholas Hoult has been announced as joining the second season of Harry Potter as Gilderoy Lockhart. He's the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who rocks up to Hogwarts in Harry, Ron and Hermione's second year. He arrives, like Harry, as something of a celebrity in the Wizarding World, widely known for his many well-publicised adventures and escapades.
Turns out he actually did sweet F all, and actually just took the credit for others' heroic deeds, after wiping their minds with a memory charm, making them forget that it was actually them in the first place. What a dick.
He was played in the Chamber of Secrets film by Kenneth Branagh, teeming with snide arrogance and, yes, a little charm. (Mostly the former.) Hoult is a great actor, and he has nailed Lockhart's braggy, neurotic, self-conscious, thin-skinned character type before: just look at his bad guy turns in both The Menu and the aforementioned comic-book movie. A lovely guy IRL no doubt. But he sure knows how to play an obnoxious arsehole. Perfect!
HBO's Harry Potter has its first returning cast member in the form of Warwick Davis, who will play the role that he originated in the films: Professor Filius Flitwick. The eccentric goblin-wizard master of charms at Hogwarts, Davis' Flitwick is as memorable for his loveable personality as he is for his big moustache (though he first appeared much older, with a bushy grey beard), and was present throughout the movies right up to the Battle of Hogwarts in The Deathly Hallows, Part II.
We're yet to have word as to whether Davis' casting is a one-off, or if the production intends to cast more cast members from the film series for the show. Nonetheless, we now know that return castings are on the table — and who'd write off a cameo or two?
Perpetual funnyman Nick Frost is confirmed for Hagrid. It's the perfect marriage of role and actor, as far as we're concerned: Hogwarts' very own BFG will allow Frost to play a less immediately comic part than we'd usually associate him with, while his own comedic instincts will surely bring out Hagrid's funnier side. At one point, Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein was prominently rumoured for the part — a very different direction indeed.
The first behind-the-scenes shot of Frost in Hagrid garb was shared by HBO on 15 July, and yep, he sure looks like a gigantic, beardy wizard. Frost's frequent collaborator Edgar Wright, who gave the actor his big break with TV show Spaced (and most famously directed him in the Cornetto film trilogy), had a short and simple response on Instagram: “I would. #shagrid”
HBO veteran Anton Lesser, known to Game of Thrones fans as the disgraced ex-maester-turned-necromancer Qyburn, will take on the role of Diagon Alley's master wandmaker, a part originated onscreen by the late British acting legend John Hurt. Lesser's other credits include Wolf Hall, two seasons as UK Prime Minister Harold MacMillan on The Crown, and his recent stint as Major Partagaz on Disney+'s Andor.
Rory Wilmot, who'll also be seen in the upcoming Netflix miniseries Out of the Dust, has been cast as Harry's Gryffindor classmate Neville Longbottom, a part originated by Matthew Lewis in the theatrical films.
Hogwarts' flying instructor and Quidditch referee Madam Hooch will be played by Louise Brealey, known for Hulu and A24's Such Brave Girls; Zoë Wanamaker played the character in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Following months of speculation, HBO finally confirmed in mid-April that it'll be veteran actor John Lithgow for Dumbledore. Casting an American in Potter's second biggest role might come with its own dose of controversy, but lay down the torches for a moment before you go all 1814. Nailing the British accent is nothing to an actor of Lithgow's calibre (see: his turn as Churchill in The Crown), and perhaps it's only fair that an American should take one of our more prestigious parts for once, given how our acting exports disproportionately dominate the small screen across the Atlantic. Besides which, Lithgow's many Emmys and Oscar nominations speak for themselves.
It'll be Janet McTeer of Albert Nobbs, Ozark and The Menu for McGonagall, the matriarch of Hogwarts played by the late, great Maggie Smith in the films. It's another tough one to live up to, but McTeer certainly has the talent and look. HBO's confirmation came in mid-April after months of speculation; names previously circulated for the role included Sharon Horgan (of Bad Sisters).
I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project's Paapa Essiedu has been officially announced as the next Snape. His star has rapidly risen in recent years, with roles in Gangs of London, Saoirse Ronan's film The Outrun, and a standout turn in Black Mirror serving to cement his screen bonafides. Expect his Harry Potter part to shoot him into the A-list stratosphere — and we have no doubt he'll match up to the might of Alan Rickman.
Young newcomer Lox Pratt comes in to play Draco Malfoy, Harry's arch rival as originally portrayed by Tom Felton. He's got blond hair and blue eyes, so he certainly looks the part. Draco plays a significant role across both the films and books: a snooty kid with a real sour streak, he tries to befriend Harry early on, only to be snubbed for his less than savoury traits (the fact that he calls Hermoine a “mudblood,” all the bullying). From then on, as the figurehead of Slytherin house at Hogwarts, he embarks on a fierce rivalry with Harry, with the pair butting heads numerous times.
First playing a significant role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Draco's nasty dad — who infamously abuses his house elf Dobby, and holds deep Nazi wizard sympathies — will be portrayed by Johnny Flynn. He was originally played by Jason Isaacs in the films. No, we can't wait to see how the white wig looks.
A cornerstone of Harry's rise-from-the-ashes origin story is his neglectful upbringing under adoptive parents Petunia and Vernon Dursley. They'll be portrayed by The Diary of a Teenage Girl's Bel Powley and Flowers' Daniel Rigby, who take over from Fiona Shaw and Richard Griffiths. By the looks of things, the HBO casting team have gone for a look distinct from the films in this case — for one, Griffiths was a pretty big guy, and such is not the case with Rigby. Will the prosthetics department get involved? We'll find out next year. Newcomer Amos Kitson will play Harry's occasional tormentor Dudley Dursley.
By taking on the role of Ron's zany mum, English actress and comedian Katherine Parkinson has an unenviable task on her hands. Who would want to follow such a totemic acting force as Julie Waters? But we back the Rivals and IT Crowd star to shine as Potter's beloved maternal figure — there's little reason to doubt she'll nail the salt-of-the-earth charm that made Molly such a fan favourite.
The Crown saw Bertie Carvel join the long lineage of actors to play PM with his take on Tony Blair, so it's only fitting that he'll now slip into the shoes of the Minister of Magic. Played by Robert Hardy in the original films, it is Fudge's lacklustre leadership — and unfound paranoia that he will be overthrown by Dumbledore and his allies — that helps to see in the return of Voldemort. Hardy played Fudge in four films.
Screen newcomer Luke Thallon, the 29-year-old actor fresh off his acclaimed run as Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company, has been cast as Professor Quirrell. Notably, it's his first major screen credit; could we see him take the reigns as Voldemort later down the line, too?
Another astute casting comes in the form of The Fast Show's Paul Whitehouse. The British comedy legend might be a surprising pick for Filch, Hogwart's ill-tempered muggle cleaner, but maybe that's the point — they're leaning into comedy this time around, with the aim to file off Filch's rough edges.
Speculation
Take this one with a real pinch of salt, but the Daily Mail reports that O.G. Draco actor Tom Felton is the only actor from the original film cast being considered by HBO and J.K. Rowling for involvement in the reboot series. While the article notes long-standing fan interest in seeing Felton return as Draco's father Lucius, who was portrayed by Jason Isaacs in the movies, the author suggests that “this is unlikely,” because “the showrunners want to use him in other ways.”
The Mail's source is quoted as saying that, rather than being part of the primary cast, Felton could be deployed in a number of ways behind the scenes. “There has even been talk of getting him involved in creating behind-the-scenes content for HBO which could form part of a documentary about the making of the TV show,” the source said. How else could he appear? Fans on Reddit suggest that he could make for a good narrator, for one, and don't write off a background appearance.
Adding some fuel to the fire, it was recently confirmed that Felton will reprise his role as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway run of stage show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Could it precede his screen return in another part? At the very least, cameo seems on the cards.
You need a serpentine, slippery fellow for He Who Must Not Be Named — the sort of actor whose very presence can feel terrifying. (It also helps if you can picture them taking on the look of Munch’s The Scream after a few hours of prosthetics and make-up.) The obvious pick, if his recent Oscardom hasn’t taken him out of the running, would be Cillian Murphy, whose sharp, spooky angularity just feels right for old Vold. In April, Warner Bros TV head Channing Dungey dropped the “no comment” answer when asked if Murphy as Dumbledore was a possibility, which will only stoke that fire. She did say that they were “still weighing a couple of different options there”, however.
It should also be noted that Murphy is being “eyed up” to play Professor Quirrell according to insider DanielRPK (via GamingBible), the Defence Against the Dark Arts tutor who is essentially possessed by Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone — you'll recall that the dark wizard takes up residency on the back of Quirrell's head, hidden under a headwrap. This would probably preclude Murphy from taking on Voldemort, but perhaps there is a creative way around such double-casting.
For a younger pick, we'd suggest the HBO Potter bosses look no further than Stranger Things’ Jamie Campbell Bower, whose villainous Vecna is as gross and spine-chillingly malignant as you’d ever want Voldemort to be. He did play the young version of another evil wizard, Grindelwald, in the Potter film universe. But does that really matter?
He's unhinged, erratic, and just a little bit disheveled — but, crucially, kind of endearing. The Sirius Black formula is a tough one to crack. Do you go down the Gary Oldman route and recruit an actor you can reliably expect to perform to the back rafters, or go for someone who will offer a subtler approach to Black's inner turmoil? Either way, Kit Harington would be our first choice: he's a range-y performer who fits the age profile, can play to both Black's light and shade, and he just seems like he'd be a cool godfather. A word here, too, for fellow Game of Thrones alumnus Richard Madden, who carries many of the same qualities, though we'd expect a more introspective version of Black from him.
Some fringe shouts could be Benedict Cumberbatch, although he's on the upper end of the likely age range. And could fellow MCU actor Tom Hiddleston inject Black with a little of Loki's mania? He certainly seems the right fit from the A-list Hollywood crop — and it's worth noting that, at 43, he's around the same age as Oldman when he shot Prisoner of Azkaban, give or take a few years.
The way that we imagine Bellatrix is so specific to Helena Bonham Carter that it'll be an uphill battle for anyone who is called upon to bring their own interpretation to the role — but such is the case for most of this cast. To our mind, the standout nominee would be Mia Goth, the scream queen whose turn in 2022's Pearl was considered Oscar-worthy enough for commentators to question why another performance in a horror film had been snubbed after she missed out on a nomination. There's a gothic edge to her and in Pearl she demonstrates a knack for playing a woman on the edge, which would serve Bellatrix well.