HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Cast & Characters

While we are still a ways away from the release of the Harry Potter TV series, currently set for 2027, there is undeniable hype behind the upcoming HBO Max original series. The series’ inaugural season, covering the story of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is set to lay the groundwork for the (hopefully) adaptation of the entire book series. Integral to the series’ success will be the cast, with the show already having cast the majority of main and supporting roles. Here are all the cast confirmed for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

Confirmed Main Cast of ‘Harry Potter’

The primary students who will be central to the first season of Harry Potter, much like the original cast, are young and talented, but have not yet earned many credits to their name. Here is the main cast of Harry Potter, along with what we know about them.

Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter

Harry Potter hardly needs any introduction, as the main character in the highest-selling book series of all time and the beloved movie franchise. Actor Dominic McLaughlin has secured the role of Harry Potter over the thousands who met the open casting call. The role marks his biggest to date, with him previously appearing in Scottish kids/superhero series Gifted.

Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger

HBO Max

The role of Hermione Granger, one of Harry Potter’s closest friends, is being portrayed by Arabella Stanton. Stanton embarked on acting at a young age and has already built up an impressive stage presence, having played Matilda Wormwood in Matilda the Musical and Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express. The actor has already flexed her skills as Hermione Granger, playing the role in the Full-Cast audiobook of the novel series.

Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley

HBO Max

The role of Ron Weasley, Potter’s courageous friend, will be played by Alastair Stout. Stout is perhaps the least experienced of the young cast, with his only notable work before being picked to play Ron Weasley coming via small commercial spots. Still, the young actor is poised to make a big impression with his screen debut.

Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy

BBC / Stan

The cunning Slytherin who would become Harry Potter’s greatest rival, Draco Malfoy, will be played by Lox Pratt​​​​​. Pratt has already begun to make a name for himself, with the young actor securing TV roles that have made him a stand-out for his approach to complex subject matter. Notably, Pratt would stun in one of his early roles as Jack Merridew in the BBC’s made-for-TV adaptation of Lord of the Flies.

‘Harry Potter’ Notable Adult Cast

Looking at key adult actors in bringing the series to life, there are quite a few talented names attached to Harry Potter. At the same time, some cast members have yet to be confirmed. Notably, there has been much speculation and online debate about who will play Lord Voldemort (famously portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in a role that almost did not happen). Here are the confirmed cast members for the inaugural season of Harry Potter, who will have a substantial influence on the show’s story.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

Netflix

The wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Dumbledore, is a beloved and vital figure in shaping Harry’s future. John Lithgow steps into the shoes of the magic mentor, with the actor boasting an impressive career in both film, TV, and the stage. Lithgow would become a household name on TV, both leading the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun as the overly expressive alien Dick Solomon and giving Dexter its best season to date when he played the killer Arthur Mitchell. In film, Lithgow has impressed from Footloose (1984) through 2025’s The Rule of Jenny Pen.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Netflix

Minerva McGonagall embodies the spirit of the House of Gryffindor, both as its head and as the greater Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. Acclaimed stage and screen actor known for her intense and commanding performances, Janet McTeer, steps into the role of the definitive figure at Hogwarts. The award-winning actor is best known for her roles in Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

AMC+

The mysterious Potions Master at Hogwarts, Severus Snape, and his many kept secrets are set to play a large part in the first season of the new TV show. A pick that became obnoxiously controversial, with some pushing to have the actor removed from the role, Paapa Essiedu is set to play Severus Snape. Essiedu is a young British actor already finding acclaim for his versatility in playing both classic and contemporary roles. Known primarily for his work on the stage, with his award-winning performance with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Essiedu has also appeared in several acclaimed TV series, including This May Destroy You and Gangs of London.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

IFC Films
Shudder

The gentle giant and Keeper of the Keys, who becomes a friend and ally to Potter and his friends, Rubeus Hagrid, is aptly cast with Nick Frost filling the role. Nick Frost is best known as a comedic genius, integral in such cult hits as the zom-com Shaun of the Dead and the fan-favorite BBC show Spaced. Yet Frost is also to play more serious roles, as seen in films such as Final Score (2018) and Black Cab (2025), ensuring he can bring the proper mirth and drama to one of the series’ most beloved adult characters.

List of Other Cast Members Confirmed for ‘Harry Potter’

Here is the remaining cast of confirmed cast for Harry Potter. While some of these names become integral in later books in the series, in the first season, they will likely play a more minor or supporting role. Here are all the confirmed roles for season one of Harry Potter outside the main cast:

Showrunner

Francisca Gardiner

Directors

Mark Mylod

Writers

Francesca Gardiner