HBO and Warner Bros. Entertainment have officially announced the first six cast members for the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series. As the series begins to take shape under the banner of Max, fans are eager to see how this new adaptation will interpret the beloved world of J.K. Rowling’s novels. Set to span a decade, the series will feature a new cast and a closer adherence to the source material, with each of the seven books adapted into a separate season.
Below, we take a closer look at each newly announced actor, comparing them with their predecessors from the original Harry Potter film series and considering how these fresh interpretations may reshape the characters for a new generation of viewers.
Rubeus Hagrid
- Original Actor: Robbie Coltrane
- New Actor: Nick Frost
Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid was defined by a balance of rough exterior and profound tenderness. He brought a sense of rugged authenticity to the role, portraying Hagrid as both a protector and a comic presence.
Nick Frost, known for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, may offer a lighter and more humorous take on the character. While Frost does not match Coltrane’s imposing physicality, modern prosthetics and CGI—used effectively in the original films—can compensate. The central challenge for Frost will be maintaining Hagrid’s emotional sincerity and deep connection to the magical creatures he cares for, without reducing the character to mere comic relief.
Albus Dumbledore
- Original Actors: Richard Harris and Michael Gambon
- New Actor: John Lithgow
Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore with serenity and gentle wisdom, while Michael Gambon brought a more intense and commanding presence to the role, particularly in the later films.
John Lithgow is a distinguished and versatile actor with a wide-ranging career spanning drama and comedy. In roles such as those in The Crown and Dexter, Lithgow demonstrated an ability to embody both gravitas and eccentricity. This duality aligns well with the Dumbledore of the books, who is at once enigmatic, compassionate, and unpredictable. Lithgow may deliver a more balanced interpretation, drawing upon Harris’s warmth and Gambon’s urgency.
Argus Filch
- Original Actor: David Bradley
- New Actor: Paul Whitehouse
David Bradley’s portrayal of the caretaker Filch was delightfully grim, exuding bitterness and disdain toward Hogwarts students. His performance captured the character’s comic despair without diluting the menace.
Paul Whitehouse, best known for The Fast Show, is a seasoned comedian who may infuse the role with a more exaggerated, absurdist humor. However, to avoid transforming Filch into a caricature, Whitehouse must preserve the character’s deeply rooted resentment and obsession with order. If executed well, this approach could highlight the pathos in Filch’s position—a man out of step with the magical world around him.
Quirinus Quirrell
- Original Actor: Ian Hart
- New Actor: Luke Thallon
Ian Hart brought nervous energy and concealed darkness to Professor Quirrell, delivering a subtle performance that culminated in a chilling reveal. His stammering, insecure façade masked the character’s alignment with Voldemort, enhancing the impact of the twist.
Luke Thallon, known for his stage work including Albion, brings youthful intensity and a refined dramatic presence. Thallon may choose to highlight Quirrell’s internal conflict more explicitly, adding psychological depth to a character often overshadowed by later villains. This could allow for a more nuanced take, positioning Quirrell as both a pawn and an agent of his own downfall.
Severus Snape
- Original Actor: Alan Rickman
- New Actor: Paapa Essiedu
Alan Rickman’s Snape is one of the most iconic performances of the series. With his deliberate pacing, deep voice, and brooding stare, Rickman imbued the character with cold menace and hidden vulnerability. His portrayal set a high benchmark for any successor.
Paapa Essiedu is a rising star with a strong background in both television (I May Destroy You) and stage. As a younger and more physically expressive actor, Essiedu may present a Snape who is less restrained and more emotionally volatile. This version could better reflect the character’s internal conflict and complicated motivations, perhaps emphasizing the raw bitterness of a man shaped by rejection and loss. While the casting represents a race-bent reinterpretation, the success of Essiedu’s portrayal will ultimately depend on his ability to maintain the duality that defines Snape—harsh exterior masking a tormented soul.
Minerva McGonagall
- Original Actor: Maggie Smith
- New Actor: Janet McTeer
Dame Maggie Smith’s portrayal of McGonagall combined stern discipline with dry wit and fierce loyalty. Her performance lent the character an air of both authority and maternal care, becoming one of the most beloved figures in the franchise.
Janet McTeer, known for her commanding roles in Ozark and Jessica Jones, brings significant gravitas and presence to the role. She is likely to retain McGonagall’s unyielding moral compass and intellectual rigor, perhaps with a slightly firmer and more imposing interpretation. McTeer’s theatrical background may allow her to explore a broader range of emotional nuance, preserving McGonagall’s blend of sharpness and compassion.
