A Magical Cast Is Conjured for Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts Staff in New Harry Potter Series

Lumos! HBO finally shed light (see what I did there) on casting for their highly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation. I’ll be honest, I really did not have any interest in this show. In my opinion, it seems way too early to reboot a beloved franchise that just barely ended. The final Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 only released in 2011, which makes a remake insanely premature in my opinion. As apprehensive as I am, does that really mean I won’t end up watching it? Probably not. Perhaps a genius way to get fans who are loyal to the original film series excited, Max decided to drop a couple of magical casting crumbs this morning, and in sum, it opened my heart up to a remake ever so slightly. Let’s break down the first round of cast announcements for the upcoming Harry Potter television series.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

Beloved American actor John Lithgow has been cast as the wonderful yet tragic Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. This was the perfect man to get all the skeptics (myself) on board. Lithgow’s range is unmatched, with his decades-long tenure of comedic and dramatic roles. Now, I’m sure American through you off, but don’t get your Phoenix feathers in a twist! The actor has fooled many into thinking he’s British thanks to his excellent portrayal of Winston Churchill in the Netflix series, The Crown.

Dumbledore has had a couple actors play him with Richard Harris being the first until his untimely death in 2002. Michael Gambon took over the role of the powerful professor in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004. Jude Law plays the young iteration of the character in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise. While Harris perfectly encapsulated Dumbledore’s whimsy and kindness, Gambon captured his power and wit. I think Lithgow has the potential to blend the strengths of all the past iterations into the perfect Dumbledore. Let’s just hope he delivers “Harry did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire” as iconically as Gambon did.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Okay, that might actually be young Maggie Smith! Janet McTeer has been cast as the sassy yet stern Transfiguration professor. You might know this actress from her roles in Ozark or The Menu, but I think she’ll give us a memorable McGonagall. Stepping into the shoes of the late Maggie Smith won’t be easy, but I think McTeer has the tenacity to make some magic for a new generation of Harry Potter fans.

I’m excited to see her chemistry with Lithgow’s Dumbledore, as McGonagall’s character is the deputy headmistress under him. Her fierce loyalty to Dumbledore, yet striking individual power is a necessity to bring the Head of Gryffindor back to life.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

English comedian, screenwriter, and actor Nick Frost is taking on the role of beloved Hogwarts Herbology professor and gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid. Frost has the same whimsical twinkle in his eye that Robbie Coltrane brought to Hagrid. Hagrid is a lovable protector of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and the reboot needs someone who can bring that same fatherly energy to the role. I have high hopes for this one! Now I’m wondering who they’ll cast as Madame Maxime!

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

If there’s someone you can’t get wrong for a successful reboot, it’s Severus Snape. The infamous Potions Professor and head of Slytherin house is a cornerstone of the franchise with Alan Rickman’s portrayal remaining in high praise. Paapa Essiedu has been cast as Severus Snape. The actor is best known for dramatic roles, and this picture alone emulates the same striking and mysterious energy of Snape.

Snape’s complexity and depth of character will be so interesting to see dive further into in a television format, and I can’t wait to see Essiedu’s portrayal of the character.

HBO also announced that Luke Thallon will join season one as the notorious Professor Quirell and Paul Whitehouse will play the grumpy Argus Filch. There’s no news on who will take over as Harry, Ron, or Hermione just yet, but we are waiting— rather impatiently — to see who will step into the Hogwarts cloak of The Boy Who Lived.