HBO‘s “Harry Potter” series reboot now has official confirmation of the cast lineup, as the studio has announced the main adult actors in a press release.
Backing up previous reports, the studio has confirmed that Janet McTeer (“MobLand”) as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as monster wrangler Rubeus Hagrid. They join John Lithgow (“Conclave”), who previously revealed his part in the magical show playing the iconic Professor Albus Dumbledore.
A brand new addition named in the announcement is theatre actor Luke Thallon, who will play Hogwarts teacher Professor Quirinus Quirrell, who is aligned with Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort. The sinister character previously wore a turban to hide the monstrous secret he is hiding from the school, as he is a host of sorts for Voldemort before the two are separated. Until we hear Voldemort’s actor, we should assume that Quirrell might be the first antagonist for the wizarding school and students.
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While there have been various rumblings of who will play the main villain, Voldemort hasn’t been officially cast, although that likely will be a key element here.
That’s not the only new casting news as living comedic legend Paul Whitehouse, known for a multitude of British sketch shows, has taken the role of grumpy caretaker Argus Filch. Veteran character actor David Bradley previously portrayed that fun and humerous role.
This upcoming series, which is expected to hard-reboot the Potterverse, is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod executive producing and directing multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film & TV and Warner Bros. Television.
“We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,” said Gardiner and Mylod in an official statement celebrating the castings. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
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The reasoning for the television reboot of “Harry Potter” isn’t quite clear (the “Fantastic Beasts” movies ended when two more installments were planned but hit the stop button due to poor box office), but creator and executive producer J.K. Rowling‘s increasingly hostile postings on the trans community and ultimate fallout with the trio of original actors (led to her minimal role in the reunion special) over her hate-mongering online likely made it extremely difficult to pursue projects like the follow-up Potterverse story “The Cursed Child.”
While many actors are well-known among this new cast, we’re expecting some unknown youngsters to take on the parts of Harry Potter, Ron, Hermione, and their classmates.