If you remember the exact moment your Hogwarts letter didn’t come in the mail (we’re still waiting, TBH), then you’ll probably want to sit down for this: Harry Potter is coming back—but this time, as a full-on TV series.
HBO is diving broom-first into the Wizarding World, and we’ve got the latest on what to expect, including some major casting announcements that just dropped.
The series was officially announced in 2023, with HBO promising a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga. Each season is expected to cover one book. That means we’re not just getting a rehash of the movies, we’re diving deep into the magical details that didn’t make the cut the first time. (Looking at you, Peeves.)
The series will air on HBO and stream on Max (formerly HBO Max). There’s no official release date yet, but insiders are predicting a 2026 premiere. Which gives us just enough time to reread all the books and have an unnecessarily intense Sorting Hat quiz party with our friends. (Slytherin sun, Hufflepuff rising, anyone?)
HBO has finally dropped the first casting announcements.
Nick Frost, known for his work in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will bring to life the beloved half-giant gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid.
While we don’t have the full list yet, here’s what we know:
- Albus Dumbledore: John Lithgow, the Emmy and Tony-winning actor known for his roles in The Crown and 3rd Rock from the Sun, will take on the role of the wise and enigmatic headmaster.
- Minerva McGonagall: Janet McTeer, a Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress with credits in Ozark and The White Queen, will portray the stern yet caring Transfiguration professor.
- Severus Snape: Paapa Essiedu, acclaimed for his performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London, steps into the complex role of the Potions Master.
- Rubeus Hagrid: Nick Frost, known for his work in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will bring to life the beloved half-giant gamekeeper.
- Quirinus Quirrell: Luke Thallon has been cast as the nervous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
- Argus Filch: Paul Whitehouse will portray the cantankerous caretaker of Hogwarts.
Casting for the golden trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—is still underway. An open casting call was announced, seeking children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland, with over 32,000 audition tapes submitted. The production team is committed to inclusive and diverse casting, aiming to reflect the rich tapestry of the wizarding world.
Filming is set to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location where the original films were shot. With a decade-long commitment, each season will delve deeper into the intricacies of J.K. Rowling’s universe, promising a richer narrative experience.
