Harry Potter fans are gearing up to be transported back into the wizarding world. The HBO Max series cast is filling out, and fans are freaking about who has been cast in the beloved roles. This reboot is unlike what we’ve already seen with movie franchise. Instead, we’ll be getting a rather in-depth look into the world of Hogwarts and the lives of our favorite witches and wizards in the television series that is sure to have everything talking from start to finish.
Whether you’re excited or skeptical, one thing is certain: This is one of the most talked-about reboots of the decade. Here’s everything we know so far, including the cast, release date, and major differences from the beloved film series.
Who’s in the Cast of HBO’s Harry Potter Series?
Warner Bros. and HBO Max have announced the stars who will bring Harry Potter back to life in the new TV series. Some are big name stars who have been working on television and in movies for decades. Others are up and coming actors who are sure to be skyrocketed to fame due to their involvement in the show.
Here’s how the cast is shaping up:
John Lithgow Will Play Albus Dumbledore. The actor who has starred in several TV projects as well as films has taken on the role as Hogwarts Headmaster and all-around lovable guy.
Paapa Essiedu has been cast as Severus Snape. This is certainly a younger (and hotter) version of the character. The actor will portray the Hogwarts teacher that appears to have it out for Harry, but as true fans know has a hidden agenda.
Janet McTeer has signed on to play Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost will play fan-favorite groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid. Paul Whitehouse is set for the role of Argus Filch. Meanwhile, Luke Thallon will play Professor Quirinus Quirrell, per TV Line.
It’s currently unclear who will portray the iconic roles of Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter, Hermoine Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, and other Hogwarts students. However, the news likely isn’t far off as the show is slated to begin filming by the end of 2025.
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Release Date
For now, it’s thought that the show will begin airing on HBO Max sometime in 2026, and it’s going to be a major project. Warner Bros. has already revealed that they plan to span the series out through 10 years and tackle each one of the books as a season of the show. However, like the movies, the final book may need to be divided.
How will the Harry Potter series be different from the books?
Because of the one season equals one book format, this will give writers a lot to do. Fans of the book series know that many of the plot points were glossed over or even skipped altogether due to time constraints. However, that doesn’t have to be a problem in the HBO series. The characters can go more in depth and the storylines can be explained even further.
The new Harry Potter cast will also give the show a brand new feel. It won’t be like the movies of old. Instead, there will be a new tone and voice to the source material. In addition, because the cast is now more diverse, it will also add to the modern, new feel of the series.
Questions We Still Need Answered About the Harry Potter HBO Series
There is a lot more that will need to be unpacked about the show. However, the main cast members is certainly one of those topics.
Who is playing Harry Potter in the HBO Max TV Show?
Right now, that is unknown. Harry, Hermoine, Ron, Malfoy, and others have yet to be announced. However, as soon as that information is confirmed, we’ll bring it to you.
Is the Harry Potter show a reboot, sequel, or prequel?
There has been some confusion about how the new HBO series will be set up. It’s not a prequel, although some fans would have loved to see that. It’s also not a sequel. (Sorry, no Cursed Child just yet). Instead, it’s a reboot. This means that the characters and story are the same for the most part. Just new actors and updated voice.
Will any original Harry Potter cast members return for the HBO Max show?
So far, there has been no talk of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, or any other original cast members coming back for cameos in the HBO Harry Potter show. While fans would likely love to see them again, it could also offer confusion or tie the series in with the movies in a way that takes away from the story.
Fans are very excited, yet skeptical about the new series.
“I can’t wait, but it needs to be done right,” one person stated.
“This has so much potential,” another commented.
While HBO has done wonders with other adaptations in the past, such as The Last Of Us, the Harry Potter franchise is so beloved. It might be hard to recreate the magic for a new generation while still including longtime fans.
