The magic is returning to our television screens officially. HBO has introduced the first six members of its highly anticipated *Harry Potter* television series, which is set to begin in 2026. The new series promises to stay true to J.K. Rowling's original books, with each season based on one of the seven books in more detail than the movies ever did.
Who's New to the Wizarding World?
The first-cast announcement comes with some surprise choices, featuring both seasoned pros and newcomers with some of the most iconic (and daunting) roles at Hogwarts.
**Albus Dumbledore will be played by John Lithgow**, the wise and subtle headmaster of Hogwarts. Lithgow has a track record of bringing dramatic weight and gravitas to his roles, and he'll be well suited to bring Dumbledore's rich, complex character to life over the course of the seasons.
**Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape**, arguably one of the series' most intriguing and under-loved characters. Essiedu has shown with previous roles that he has the range to deliver the kind of contained intensity for which Snape is known, and the fandom is already itching to get a look at how he interprets the character.
**Janet McTeer becomes Professor McGonagall**, the strict but intensely exacting Transfiguration professor. With her authoritative presence on screen, McTeer will be able to add gravity and dignity to the character.
**Nick Frost portrays Rubeus Hagrid**, the gentle half-giant who is in charge of the magical creatures that inhabit Hogwarts. Busy on British comedies, Frost is an interesting character choice for the role.
**Luke Thallon will be taking on Professor Quirrell**, the nervous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher of the first book. Thallon, who is from a theatre family, will hopefully bring a little bit of a new face to the character.
**Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch**, the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts. His blend of comedic timing and dramatic acting skills makes him the perfect fit for the role that has both humor and menace.
What We Know About the Series
The new series of *Harry Potter* is being made by HBO and Warner Bros. and will run for ten years. It is planned that each book will have its own season so that the process of storytelling will be more elaborate and slow compared to the original films.
Shooting will get underway in summer 2025 in the UK, and the makers of the new film still need to find the child actors to play Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Early indications are that tens of thousands of children have already auditioned for the roles.
J.K. Rowling is an executive producer, and while that has stirred up some debate, it also ensures the nature of the story will stay true to the books that have been cherished by audiences.
The show is already being described as one of the most expensive television shows produced ever, and hype is in progress. With this cast announcement alone, hype is already mounting — and fans are already impatiently waiting to know what the Wizarding World will look like under this new incarnation.
The show will launch on HBO's Max platform in 2026.
