Prepare to Be Spellbound by Harry Potter Series’ First Look

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The journey back to Hogwarts begins now.

The production for HBO’s Harry Potter television series has commenced, and they have shared an exclusive sneak peek into the making process along with the announcement.

Indeed, the picture shows Dominic McLaughlin, who was cast as the main character Harry Potter in May, portraying the role in Harry’s signature glasses, robe, and hairstyle. For the series inspired by J.K. Rowling’s books, which HBO plans to release in 2027, McLaughlin will be joined by newcomers Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The July 14th announcement revealed further cast members, such as Rory Wilmot stepping into the role of Neville Longbottom from Gryffindor and Amos Kitson portraying Harry’s muggle cousin Dudley Dursley. Additionally, they unveiled additional adult actors joining the ensemble, including Louise Brealey, known for her work on “Sherlock,” who will take on the part of flying instructor Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser from “Andor” who has been cast as renowned wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.

In the younger group, many fresh faces are making their debut. However, the series doesn’t lack in stardom when it comes to its veteran actors. For instance, during the initial casting announcement in April, it was disclosed that actors like John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid), Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch) and Luke Thallon (Quirinus Quirrel) were joining the cast.

And while the young talent is exciting, Hogwarts’ elders are still looking forward to magic. 

As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, here I am, thrilled to bits that the magical world we all love is once again capturing the hearts and minds of some extraordinary individuals. It’s been a tough call, but given my age (79 at the time of this interview with ScreenRant), it’s going to be quite a spectacle when I’m 87 at the wrap party – yet, I can’t resist the charm and have agreed to reprise my role as Dumbledore.

He mentioned that it will significantly shape the final part of his life, but he’s also quite thrilled about it.

For a full look at the cast in the upcoming Harry Potter series, read on.

The well-known Slytherin character will be portrayed by up-and-coming actor Lox Pratt. He is stepping into the role previously held by Tom Felton, who has just announced his departure to appear in the adult version of Draco on Broadway in “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

In June 2025, HBO revealed that Johnny Flynn, known for his role in Ripley, would step into the shoes of Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father, in their upcoming series. Previously, Jason Isaacs, star of The White Lotus, portrayed Lucius in the movie series. Taking to Instagram, Isaacs warmly congratulated his successor: “Delighted to hand over the keys to Malfoy Manor to @johnnyflynnmusic, a multi-talented renaissance man.

In a new twist, Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will don the Gryffindor robes, portraying characters reminiscent of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. These three are replacing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who brought these iconic roles to life in the movie series from 2000 to 2010.

As an overjoyed fan, I can’t help but express my excitement: The skill these three extraordinary actors possess is simply mesmerizing, and we eagerly anticipate the moment their enchantment graces our screens together. Speaking as executive producers of this TV adaptation, Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod extend their gratitude to the tens of thousands of aspiring young talents who auditioned. It’s been an absolute pleasure unearthing the wealth of hidden talent among these children.

Katherine Parkinson, known for her BAFTA-winning performance on the British sitcom “The IT Crowd,” has been cast to play the Weasley matriarch in an upcoming TV adaptation. Previously, this role was portrayed by Julie Walters, famously recognized from “Mamma Mia!”

Katherine Parkinson, BAFTA-winning actress from “The IT Crowd,” has been chosen to play the Weasley matriarch in the upcoming TV adaptation. Previously, this role was played by Julie Walters, who is well-known for her work in “Mamma Mia!”.

By December 2024, news broke out that Paapa Essiedu was being considered to embody Professor Snape, famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the films. Essiedu, a rapidly rising talent on both stage and screen, is best known for his performance in the HBO series “I May Destroy You.

The distinguished actor, John Lithgow, is set to play the role of Professor Dumbledore in the HBO series. His vast resume features notable works such as “Conclave,” “Dexter,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “The Crown.” Additionally, Lithgow has an impressive collection of awards under his belt: six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and even two Academy Award nominations.

Making this decision wasn’t straightforward,” Lithgow shared with ScreenRant in February 2025 upon confirming his role, “as it will shape my final act in showbiz, and I must admit, I feel apprehensive. However, I’m thrilled about the opportunity… By the time we wrap up, I’ll be approximately 87 years old, but I’ve agreed to take on the part.

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

Award-winning actor Daniel Rigby will take over the role of Harry’s uncle in the HBO Max series. Excited to portray the world’s most dismal Muggle, Uncle Vernon, as he shared on Instagram. The character was previously brought to life by the late and accomplished Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013.

The British actress, Bel Powley, will be following in Fiona Shaw’s footsteps by playing the role of Aunt Petunia. Notable screen appearances for Powley include parts in “The Morning Show,” “A Small Light,” and “Masters of the Air.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been selected to step into the magical world of Hogwarts and portray the esteemed Professor McGonagall, who serves as the head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress. My career has been a rich tapestry woven over several decades, with memorable roles in shows like “Ozark,” “Jessica Jones,” and “Sorry for Your Loss.” The legendary Dame Maggie Smith graced our screens with her exceptional portrayal of this character in the film franchise earlier. It’s an honor to follow in her footsteps!

In March 2025, Variety announced that comedian Nick Frost was close to finalizing a contract to portray the half-giant character Hagrid. Known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in movies like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”, Frost will soon appear in Universal’s live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon”. Robbie Coltrane, who originally played Hagrid in the films, passed away in 2022.

In April 2025, it was revealed that five-time BAFTA award winner Paul Whitehouse would be assuming the role of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, a part previously played by David Bradley in the films. Notably, Whitehouse is a popular British comedian and, trivia alert!, he even made an appearance as Sir Cadogan, one of the living portraits, in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”.

A group of three young individuals will step into the shoes of Harry’s school friends Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown. Previously, these characters were portrayed by Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury, and Jessie Cave on screen.

In June 2025, it was announced that Tony-winning actor Bertie Carvel would be taking on the role of the Minister of Magic, a part previously held by Robert Hardy, who passed away in 2017, in the Harry Potter film series.

It seems that Luke Thallon, relatively less known among the new cast members, is set to play Harry’s initial Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Interestingly, Ian Hart, who previously portrayed Quirrell with a significant role in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, had done so before.

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2025-07-14 21:47