“No one can replace Alan Rickman, but we can find the next Alan Rickman,” Mark Melwood
HBO Reveals All-Star Cast for Upcoming Harry Potter Series. HBO has officially unveiled the cast for its upcoming Harry Potter series, based on J.K. Rowling’s acclaimed literary saga.
Emmy Award winner John Lithgow leads the ensemble, portraying the wise and kind Professor Albus Dumbledore, the much-loved headmaster of Hogwarts.
Lithgow is joined by Janet McTeer, best known for her role in Ozark, who steps into the sturdy shoes of Professor Minerva McGonagall.
In a bold casting move, Papa Acedo (Black Mirror) has been confirmed as Professor Severus Snape, previously immortalized by the late Alan Rickman in Harry Potter.
HBO director Mark Melwood commented, “No one can replace Alan Rickman, but we can find the next Alan Rickman.”
Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) plays the lovable and high-strung Rubeus Hagrid, Hogwarts’ loyal gamekeeper, while Luke Thelen is set to portray the timid Professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will appear as the ever-mumbling caretaker F. Argus.
While the adult cast is now in place, the main roles of the children of Harry Potter, Ron, Hermione and Draco have yet to be finalized. Casting is underway for the young trio, with production expected to begin in mid-2025.
Each of the seven books in Rowling’s series will be adapted into its own season, allowing for a broader and more detailed exploration of the wizarding universe.
The Harry Potter series will stream exclusively on Max, reaching fans around the world, including in the UK, Germany, Turkey and Italy.
Rowling will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, who later produced the original film adaptation.
HBO describes the series as a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s work that promises to ignite a new generation of fans, while the beloved original films will remain a central part of the Harry Potter legacy.
