The first cast members of HBO’s “Harry Potter” television series have been officially confirmed.
The following series regulars have joined the cast: Nick Frost (“Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz”) as Rubeus Hagrid; Janet McTeer (“Tumbleweeds,” “The White Queen”) as Minerva McGonagall; Paapa Essiedu (“I May Destroy You,” “Gangs of London”) as Severus Snape; and John Lithgow (“Conclave,” “The Crown”) as Albus Dumbledore. All four actors were reportedly in talks for the show.
Additionally, Luke Thallon has taken on the recurring role of Quirinus Quirrell, while Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch.
“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,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
HBO held an open casting call for the principal roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione last fall, receiving over 30,000 submissions. Filming for the series is expected to begin this summer.
Following the announcement, people took to social media to share their thoughts on the casting, with many voicing their disappointment.
What a massive disappointment.
Paapa Essiedu has officially been cast as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series, as announced today by HBO.
The creators of the show, including J.K. Rowling, said that the TV series would be a faithful adaptation of the books. Snape is… pic.twitter.com/4lyMtie18j
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) April 14, 2025
Maybe it’s my childhood or my nostalgia speaking it’s impossible to replace or replicate the original cast of Harry Potter. They were all perfect. Race swapping Snape doesn’t help either. https://t.co/uICdyQZdtE
— 👑 Prince Tyler 👑 (@tyler_preston20) April 14, 2025
Funny how this might be the first series in history to face a boycott before it’s even aired. You've ruined the Harry Potter franchise with your DEI-inspired casting of Snape. Shame on you. It’s bound to be a massive flop. @HBO @StreamOnMax
— Solara (@solara011) April 15, 2025
What if everyone crying about the Snape casting in the new Harry Potter series just waited to watch without judgement and then decided if the Snape casting (or any casting) is good or bad? It truly doesn’t matter to Snapes story if he’s black or white
— Mitch Steur (@Spartan_dawg12) April 15, 2025
I have said this several times now, and I will say it again: Adam Driver should have been cast as Severus Snape.
He would have been absolutely perfect and HBO and J.K. Rowling blew it.
Sure, maybe Driver would have passed on the role if he was offered it. But I highly doubt he… pic.twitter.com/v5QrIAF7gm
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) April 14, 2025
Here we go again! White people ignoring the cast of the Harry Potter series and focusing on the casting of the black guy they're going to bully and harass for weeks and month to come and then blame DEI or wokeness like they're possessed or something. pic.twitter.com/FJGyxuwx3C
— the blue (@thebluestshade) April 15, 2025
Very displeased with HBO's casting choices for the Harry Potter series.
— Syd 🌵 (@sydney_thinks) April 15, 2025
🚨Harry Potter fans,let’s talk!HBO’s casting of Snape in the new series strays from the books’description:sallow skin,hooked nose,black eyes.This isn’t about diversity,it’s about fidelity to a story we’ve loved for 20+ years.Snape’s arc deserves to be honored as written.
— HorsePower Garage North. Ireland (@HorsePower_UK) April 15, 2025
Paapa is an amazing actor, but what pisses me off abt this is that the show front runners specifically said that the Harry Potter series was gonna be a faithful adaptation of the books, unlike the movies. How is this casting a faithful adaptation?! https://t.co/Dn6d8sPoIj
— ✨Dani✨ (@danipal20) April 15, 2025
As a Harry Potter series lover, fan pages being racist about the resent casting is very disappointing
— Ness🇰🇳 (@VenessaLB) April 15, 2025
According to HBO, the show is a “faithful adaptation” of the well-known J.K. Rowling’s book books.
The official description reads, “Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and its incredible adventures to new and existing audiences, exploring every corner of the wizarding world.”
Gadiner is the showrunner, writer, and executive producer of the series. In collaboration with Warner Bros. Television and Brontë Film and TV, Mylod will executive produce and direct a number of the series’ episodes for HBO.
David Heyman of Heyday Films and Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV serve as executive producers of the series.
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