Hogwarts is Coming to HBO: A Look at the New Cast of the Harry Potter TV Series
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A new generation of wizards and witches is set to be welcomed into Hogwarts, as the beloved Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling is being adapted into a TV series for HBO. The series will consist of seven seasons, each based on one of the seven books in the series: “Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Chamber of Secrets,” “Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Goblet of Fire,” “Order of the Phoenix,” “Half-Blood Prince,” and “Deathly Hallows.” According to a report by Variety, HBO has been auditioning over 32,000 children for the lead role of Harry Potter, which was originally played by Daniel Radcliffe.
The casting process for the new series is well underway, with several key roles already confirmed. Variety reports that John Lithgow, star of “Conclave,” will play Albus Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu, breakout star of “I May Destroy You,” will take on the role of Severus Snape. Janet McTeer, Oscar nominee for “Tumbleweeds,” will play Professor McGonagall, and Nick Frost, star of “Shaun of the Dead,” will bring Hagrid to life on screen.
As Variety notes, the new series will feature a diverse cast, with a range of talented actors bringing the beloved characters to life. Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner and executive producer, while Mark Mylod will direct several episodes in addition to executive producing. The casting of the lead roles, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione, has not yet been announced.
Let’s take a closer look at the new cast and the characters they’ll be playing.
### Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow)
Original Actor: Richard Harris and Michael Gambon
As Variety reports, Albus Dumbledore is the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a powerful wizard, and the most senior professor at Hogwarts. He is an early mentor figure for Harry and plays a significant role in the young wizard’s journey. Dumbledore, along with Minerva McGonagall, takes baby Harry to live with the Dursleys at Privet Drive.
### Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu)
Original Actor: Alan Rickman
The potions professor at Hogwarts, Severus Snape, is the head of the Slytherin House and an early adversary of Harry and his friends, as noted by Variety. Snape is cold towards his students, particularly Gryffindors, and many of his fellow professors. Harry begins to suspect that Snape may have ties to the dark Lord Voldemort.
### Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer)
Original Actor: Maggie Smith
As Variety reports, Minerva McGonagall is the head of the Gryffindor House at Hogwarts, a transfiguration professor, and an early ally of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Unbeknownst to Harry, McGonagall helped Dumbledore bring him to live with the Dursleys when he was a baby. She is also an animagus and can transform into a house cat at will.
### Rubeus Hagrid (Nick Frost)
Original Actor: Robbie Coltrane
The half-giant Hagrid is a Hogwarts gamekeeper, as Variety notes. He is the first to inform young Harry that he’s a wizard and remains a close friend to the boy, as well as to Ron and Hermione, throughout their time at school. Hagrid, though sometimes clumsy, deeply cares for living creatures and watches over everything from dragons to Hippogriffs.
### Argus Filch (Paul Whitehouse)
Original Actor: David Bradley
Argus Filch is a caretaker at Hogwarts who couldn’t care less about the students, according to Variety. A strict disciplinarian, Filch works with his cat, Mrs. Norris, to sniff out misbehaving kids. He is known as a “squib,” which is someone who has no magic powers despite being descended from wizard genes.
### Quirinus Quirrell (Luke Thallon)
Original Actor: Ian Hart
Quirinus Quirrell is an anxious Defense Against the Dark Arts professor when Harry begins attending Hogwarts, as reported by Variety. The professor previously taught Muggle Studies and also went on a search for Voldemort to learn more about the evil wizard. By the time Harry gets to know him, Quirrell turns out to be far more complicated than he seems on the surface.
The new Harry Potter series is set to bring a fresh take on the beloved book series, with a talented cast and crew bringing the magical world to life on HBO. As reported by Variety, fans of the series will be eager to see how the new cast interprets the iconic characters and storylines. With its richly detailed world and memorable characters, the Harry Potter series is sure to captivate audiences once again.
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