The Harry Potter franchise is getting a redo, with an entirely new generation of actors playing the highly recognizable roles. HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation will explore J.K. Rowling’s books in greater detail than the previous films. Instead of each book being whittled down into a two-hour movie, each individual installment of the Harry Potter series will have its own season. Of course, we’ve all gotten so used to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint that some wonder if the new cast can live up to the iconic roles. Some of the performers are established Hollywood actors with full resumes, while others are basically newcomers to the entertainment industry. The first season will premiere on Christmas Day 2026. Here’s what we know about eight of the actors bringing the Wizarding World back to life.
Dominic McLaughlin — Harry Potter
Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin has been cast in the highly coveted role of young Harry Potter himself. He’s taking over the iconic character, previously played by Daniel Radcliffe. He was chosen after a very wide casting search that considered more than 30,000 children for Harry alone. Unlike Radcliffe, who already had professional acting experience before playing Harry Potter, McLaughlin is still fairly new to acting. Still, producers must believe McLaughlin has what it takes to carry a multi-season TV series, considering Harry is at the center of the entire story. It will be interesting to watch his talents grow on screen. If the adaptation runs for all seven books as planned, audiences will watch McLaughlin grow up while playing the Boy Who Lived.
Arabella Stanton — Hermione Granger
Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, the highly intelligent young witch originally played by Emma Watson. Although she’s pretty new to television acting, Stanton already has an impressive theatrical resume. She played the title character in West End’s production of Matilda the Musical, a demanding role that required long hours, singing, acting, and tons of stage presence. She also appeared in a production of Starlight Express. These past roles show that she’s comfortable with a demanding schedule and performing in front of large audiences. Still, playing Hermione will introduce Stanton to an entirely different level of international attention.
Alastair Stout — Ron Weasley
Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley, the lovable, somewhat insecure best friend of Harry Potter. Rupert Grint made the character an on-screen favorite in the original films. His natural comedic timing and ability to make Ron feel incredibly relatable made fans fall in love with him. Stout definitely looks the part, with his fair complexion and red hair. Interestingly, his professional acting credits are quite limited. They must have quite a bit of faith in the young actor, considering how much of the series depends on the friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Ron is also arguably one of the more complex characters in the Harry Potter universe, as he works to balance jealousy and insecurity with loyalty. We hope Stout is ready to make the role his own.
John Lithgow — Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow might be the most recognizable actor joining the new Harry Potter series. Lithgow’s decades-long career has been a lot of fun to watch, from his lovable alien character in 3rd Rock from the Sun to the chilling villain in Dexter. He also memorably played Winston Churchill in The Crown. Lithgow has won six Emmy Awards and received two Academy Award nominations, and we can’t wait to see what he does with the beloved character Dumbledore. Both Richard Harris and Michael Gambon played this role in the original movies, bringing different qualities to the character. Lithgow’s experience with comedy and tendency to play warmhearted characters will likely inform his portrayal of the famous Hogwarts headmaster.
Janet McTeer — Minerva McGonagall
British actress Janet McTeer will take over the role of Professor McGonagall, which was previously played by the late Maggie Smith. McTeer has an impressive resume that spans film, television, and theater. She has collected two Academy Award nominations throughout her career. In Jason Bateman’s award-winning series Ozark, she played the intimidating attorney Helen Pierce, who shares some similarities with McGonagall. The character requires a unique combination of strict authority, dry humor, and genuine empathy for her students. McTeer has a commanding presence and seems like she’ll make a wonderful McGonagall.
Paapa Essiedu — Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, probably the most complicated character in the entire Harry Potter universe. The British actor was praised for his performance in HBO’s I May Destroy You, which led to Emmy and BAFTA nominations for the actor. Like any British actor worth their salt, he also has extensive theatrical experience, even performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His casting has led to lots of online discussion, likely because Alan Rickman did such a good job portraying Snape in the original that it’s hard for some to see him played by anyone else. Unfortunately, Essiedu has also faced blatant racism and even threats after being cast in the coveted role. Despite such ridiculous and deeply concerning fan behavior, Essiedu without a doubt has the resume to back up the casting decision and we can’t wait to see what he does with the controversial character.
Nick Frost — Rubeus Hagrid
Nick Frost will play Hagrid, the massive yet gentle half-giant who quickly befriends Harry and the gang. Frost is best known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg, most notably the horror-comedy Shaun of the Dead and the action film Hot Fuzz. He also appeared in The World’s End and the television series Spaced. Those performances show he is a gifted comedic actor, which bodes well for anyone playing the well-intentioned, though sometimes blundering, Hagrid. The role requires an actor who can balance humor, passion, big emotion, and an almost childlike nature. Frost’s experience playing lovable and bumbling characters could make him a natural in this role.
Lox Pratt — Draco Malfoy
Young British actor Lox Pratt will portray Draco Malfoy, Harry’s arrogant rival who we love to hate. Pratt is another relatively fresh face, although his career is really picking up at this point. He was also cast in the BBC adaptation of Lord of the Flies. Draco gets more and more mysterious and complex as the story unfolds, owing to the Malfoy family’s ties to Voldemort. Pratt will get to explore his character arc over several seasons, potentially giving audiences more insight into the troubled boy’s background.