Harry Potter TV Show vs. Movies: How Every Recast Character Compares to the Originals (So Far)

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The first trailer for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series is out, and it promises to introduce a new generation to the magical world. From what we’ve seen, HBO and Warner Bros. are investing heavily in the show’s production, creating a Hogwarts and world that feel as impressive as the movies. The biggest challenge for dedicated Harry Potter fans, though, might be adjusting to a new cast of actors.

With each new cast announcement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, online discussions have become more intense. While some choices are already popular with fans, others will need to win people over with their acting. Unfortunately, one casting decision has even led to death threats. However, it’s clear that the Harry Potter universe still holds a strong place in the hearts of millions.

Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe famously played Harry Potter in the Harry Potter films, but a new actor, Dominic McLaughlin, will be taking on the role for a new TV series. While McLaughlin isn’t well-known yet, he has a tough act to follow, as Radcliffe’s performance as Harry Potter is incredibly iconic. Radcliffe is currently appearing in the comedy series The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins with Tracy Morgan.

Ron Weasley

Let’s talk casting! Seeing Alastair Stout step into the role of Ron Weasley is really interesting – he genuinely looks the part. That little ‘mind-blown’ expression in the first trailer already has fans buzzing, and I have to say, I’m intrigued. It’s cool to see a new face taking on such an iconic character. And speaking of talented actors, Rupert Grint, who we all know and love as the original Ron, is doing fantastic work in M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant on Apple TV – definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of spooky thrillers!

Hermione Granger

Emma Watson rose to fame as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, becoming a role model in film, fashion, and social causes. Now, a new actress, Arabella Stanton, is starting her screen career by taking on the same role in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series. Emma Watson has significantly reduced her acting work since appearing as Belle in the live-action Beauty and the Beast and Jo March in the 2019 film Little Women.

Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter’s snobbish rival at Hogwarts, became a hugely popular character in the Harry Potter movies, largely due to Tom Felton’s performance. Now, rising star Lox Pratt, known for his role in Lord of the Flies, is taking on the role of the character Potter fans love to dislike.

Albus Dumbledore

Many young fans of the Harry Potter series experienced loss for the first time when Richard Harris, the original actor who played Dumbledore, passed away after the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The highly respected Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore for the rest of the Harry Potter films, and Jude Law portrayed a younger version of the character in the Fantastic Beasts films. Now, Jon Lithgow, known from 3rd Rock from the Sun and Dexter, is playing Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter TV series, a casting choice that most fans have accepted.

Minerva McGonagall

Professor McGonagall is a major supporting character in the Harry Potter series. Known as the Head of Gryffindor House and a skilled Transfiguration expert, she’s also a close ally to Dumbledore. While the beloved Maggie Smith famously played McGonagall in the films, Janet McTeer, known for her roles in Jessica Jones and Ozark, will be taking on the character in the new TV series.

Severus Snape

Let’s address the more difficult aspect: the potential for criticism and prejudice. Alan Rickman was unforgettable as Snape in the Harry Potter films, and many fans feel his portrayal is even more iconic than the character in J.K. Rowling’s books. Replacing him has been the biggest hurdle for this Harry Potter series, and the creators have taken a daring approach by casting Paapa Essiedu, known for his roles in Black Mirror and The Lazarus Project.

Similar to Alan Rickman, actor Ncuti Essiedu has a solid background in British theatre. However, many critics are focusing solely on the fact that he is a different race, and some have even sent him threats because of it. While some worry about how his portrayal will fit with the complex story of Snape in the Harry Potter series, this character will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans as the show airs.

Rubeus Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane, the beloved actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, recently passed away. Now, Nick Frost, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, will be taking on the role of Hagrid in a new project, introducing a new generation to the magical world alongside Harry Potter.

Uncle Vernon & Aunt Petunia Dursley

Richard Griffiths and Fiona Shaw were brilliantly awful as Harry’s Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon throughout most of the Harry Potter films, making audiences truly dislike them. Now, Daniel Rigby (Black Mirror) and Bel Powley (The Morning Show) have the challenge of creating the same level of dislike in the roles, but this time in a longer-running series. It’s a tough task, considering how iconic and funny the movie versions of the Dursleys were.

Dudley Dursley

Nearly every Harry Potter book starts with a scene featuring Harry’s unpleasant cousin, Dudley, who often picks on him or enjoys making him unhappy. Before Harry can get to school at Hogwarts, he always has to deal with Dudley first. While Harry Melling previously played Dudley in the films, young actor Amos Kitson will now take on the role of Vernon and Petunia’s troublesome son.

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2026-03-26 23:44