The Harry Potter TV Show Has Found Its Main Cast

Nearly 25 years after viewers were first introduced to Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s magical on-screen world, a new cast will soon be stepping into their cloaks.

Since HBO’s Harry Potter series was officially announced in 2023, fans have wondered who would play the Hogwarts students and professors. Now, there are finally some answers — including a very exciting update about the new cast who plays Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Here’s everything that has been reported or confirmed so far about the Harry Potter TV show cast, its release timeline, and more.

The New Harry Potter Cast Is Taking Shape

Following the announcements of several members of the Hogwarts staff — more on those below — HBO finally revealed the young actors at the heart of the Harry Potter series.

Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley, HBO announced on May 27.

“The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen,” executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod said of the newcomers in a statement. “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.”

Another exciting round of cast additions was announced on June 9. Joining Harry, Ron, and Hermione are several of their Hogwarts classmates: Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.

Lox Pratt will play Draco Malfoy, and Johnny Flynn will play his father, Lucius Malfoy.

Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will play Harry’s aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley.

Katherine Parkinson will portray Ron’s mom (and fan favorite), Molly Weasley.

Meanwhile, The Crown’s Bertie Carvel will take on Cornelius Fudge, who runs the Ministry of Magic.

As previously reported, John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

“It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited,” Lithgow recently told ScreenRant. “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Also joining the Hogwarts staff is Janet McTeer, who will play Professor McGonagall.

And Paapa Essiedu will play Professor Snape. Last year, Essiedu told Bustle he wants to “be brave” when choosing future projects. Playwright Lucy Prebble — who wrote The Effect, which Essiedu starred in — said she has a “hankering to see him do villainy,” which the enigmatic Snape can be capable of.

HBO also revealed that Nick Frost, known for his work in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will portray Hogwarts' half-giant groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.

In recurring guest roles, Luke Thallon will play Professor Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will take on Argus Filch, the school’s caretaker.

Of course, you likely won’t meet several beloved characters for some time. “There are interesting people raising their hands to be the featured adult actors that come on in later seasons, like the Sirius Blacks of the world,” Sarah Aubrey, who helms IP for HBO, recently told The Hollywood Reporter.

While nostalgic fans may be hoping to see familiar faces, Aubrey said that the show doesn’t plan to “repeat” original actors from the films.

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking because people so associate those roles with certain actors, but I also think because it’s going to be eight hours of TV [per season], we’re going to immerse them in a different actor’s performance,” she explained.

When Does The Harry Potter Series Premiere?

There’s a reason for the recent casting buzz. According to Deadline, the new Harry Potter series will begin filming this summer.

The outlet added that HBO executive Casey Bloys shared on an earning call that the series should premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, and will run for “10 consecutive years.”