GUWAHATI: US network HBO has officially confirmed several cast members for its forthcoming Harry Potter television series. The announcement includes actors Nick Frost, Paapa Essiedu, Janet McTeer, and Paul Whitehouse, who will portray familiar characters from J.K. Rowling’s book series in this reimagined adaptation.
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Nick Frost has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid, the friendly half-giant and Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Frost, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End, will bring his signature presence to the beloved character. His television credits include Spaced, Into the Badlands, and the upcoming Star Wars: Skeleton Crew where he voices SM-33.
Paapa Essiedu will take on the complex role of Severus Snape, the Potions Master and one of the most layered characters in the series. Essiedu gained critical acclaim for his performance in I May Destroy You and has appeared in Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project, and The Outrun.
Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall. Known for her performances in Wuthering Heights, Albert Nobbs, The Menu, and TV series such as Ozark and Jessica Jones, McTeer brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Paul Whitehouse has been confirmed as Argus Filch, the often disgruntled caretaker of Hogwarts. Whitehouse is well known for his work in The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, and Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. His stage credits include Only Fools and Horses The Musical.
Additionally, Luke Thallon will portray Professor Quirinus Quirrell. Thallon has an extensive stage background, with appearances in Patriots, Albion, Leopoldstadt, and most recently in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet, where he played the lead.
The role of Albus Dumbledore will be taken up by veteran actor John Lithgow, who had previously announced his involvement in February. Lithgow’s career spans decades with notable performances in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Footloose, The Crown, and the recent Oscar-winning Conclave . He recently won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant, which is transferring to the West End.
Casting for the series' central trio—Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger—has not yet been finalised. HBO had launched an open casting call which reportedly attracted over 30,000 applications. The identities of the selected actors remain under wraps.
Filming for the series has been expected to begin in the summer, with the first season potentially airing as early as next year.
