HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is officially underway, with a star-studded cast set to portray the beloved characters.
Based on J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novels, the new series will see Dominic McLaughlin as the titular wizard. McLaughlin was selected for the role after an extensive hunt for the perfect Harry. He landed the leading role alongside Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
Executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod spoke of the thorough casting process when they announced the leading trio back in May.
“The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen,” they said.
“We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
But who else is set to star alongside the young talents?
The first images of the 11-year in full wizard costume were released this week as the series began filming. HBO also confirmed new cast members set to join the previously announced line-up.
Rory Wilmot will take on the role of Gryffindor student Neville Longbottom. Viewers may not recognise Wilmot just yet, but he features in Netflix’s upcoming limited series, Out of the Dust. Newcomer Amos Kitson will take on the role of Dudley Dursley.
Meanwhile, Harry’s adoptive parents Petunia and Vernon Dursley will be portrayed by The Diary of a Teenage Girl star Bel Powley and Flowers actor Daniel Rigby.
Sherlock’s Louise Brealey will feature as Quidditch coach Madam Hooch, while Andor star Anton Lesser takes on the role of wandmaker Mr Ollivander.
Lesser is no stranger to HBO, having played Qyburn in Game of Thrones. The 73-year-old also had a stint on The Crown, Wolf Hall and ITV’s hit detective drama, Endeavour.
Comedic actor Nick Frost is set to play half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, and HBO has already released images of the performer in the umistakable Hagrid costume. You’ll know the London-born star for his iconic role as Ed in Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead.
MobLand’s Janet McTeer has also been confirmed for the role of Professor Minerva Mcgonagall, who was famously portrayed by the late Maggie Smith in the original films.
Taking on another huge role, BBC star Paapa Essiedu is all set to play Severus Snape, alongside stage actor Luke Thallon as fellow Hogwarts staff member Quirinus Quirrell.
Welsh actor Paul Whitehouse, who viewers might recognise as Sir Cadogan from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, steps into the shoes of Argus Filch in the fortchoming spin-off.
The cast is completed by American actor John Lithgow as Dumbledore, newcomer Lox Pratt playing Draco Malfoy, with Ripley star Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and The IT Crowd icon Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
Last but far from least, The Crown’s Bertie Carvel will play political figure Minister of Magic, fittingly cast after his role as former Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Netflix hit.
HBO’s Harry Potter series is set to premiere in 2027
