How Our Ideal Cast For The ‘Harry Potter’ HBO Series Compares To Reality

Almost 30 years after Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released in 1997, the world could never be the same.

Since the first book, there have been six more installments to Harry Potter’s story, an entire film franchise, several spin-offs in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, video games, multiple amusement parks and tourist attractions, and more. While J.K. Rowling has spurned vitriol over her anti-trans views, the power of Harry Potter is so magical that HBO is producing yet another visual masterpiece based on the series.

Set to debut in 2026, casting the new series is already the talk of the town among Harry Potter fans. John Lithgow, famous for voicing Lord Farquaad in Shrek and playing Dick Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun, was aptly cast as Albus Dumbledore. So now, fans are clawing at the bit to put their two cents in for their HBO Harry Potter dream cast. As the cast announcements continue, the search for new young talent to play the main trio is still underway. We’re expecting a long-running series that rectifies all that went wrong in the original films; it will hopefully build upon the world that already exists, adding HBO’s trademark darkness and teenage drama to the beloved children’s series. And we know who we want to be part of it and we have some opinions about the actual casting as compared to our ideal cast.

Confirmed — John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

If the choice to cast John Lithgow as Dumbledore is any indication of the rest of the cast, we’ll be in luck. He was a top pick for many Harry Potter fans thanks to his comedic timing and docile demeanor. Others suggested Michael Caine or even Gary Oldman, who originated the role of Sirius Black in the films, but John’s larger-than-life stature combined with his sunny disposition make for the perfect Dumbledore. The only problem is that John is 79 years old right now, meaning that if the series runs for a long time, he could age out of the role, which would be an unfortunate reminder of the films’ loss of Richard Harris to the less whimsical Michael Gambon.

Confirmed — Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

For a while, many speculated that Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein could play the series’ gentle half-giant with his scruffy voice and trademark dry humor. However, Nick Frost is an apt choice, known for his parts in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End, so we expect him to bring the comedic relief that endears the trio to him in the first place.

Confirmed — Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Before the casting of Paapa was announced, Harry Potter fans had several requests for the future Snape, such as Adam Driver, whose resemblance to the late Alan Rickman alongside his impressive acting range made him an obvious choice. Others suggested Doctor Who and House of the Dragon star Matt Smith, as well as Loki’s Tom Hiddleston, both of whom can play charming and evil simultaneously. But alas, I May Destroy You’s Paapa Essiedu has been confirmed with much controversy. Between Paapa’s good looks as well as his race, fans are concerned about how both of those aspects will affect the story. Snape is meant to be a bit of an incel; he’s a loner who vies for the attention of Lily Dursley. He’s cast out because of his personality, but fans are worried that James Potter’s bullying will now have racial implications. Regardless, the part should go to whoever is best for the role, so we’re excited to see how Paapa interprets the role.

Confirmed — Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

One of Harry Potter’s more recent losses, Dame Maggie Smith first brought Minerva “McGalleon” McGonagall to the big screen. She shaped the Professor’s stern, yet daringly empathetic voice, so she’s got major shoes to fill. While screen royalty Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson, and Olivia Colman were dreamt of to follow suit, it seems that Ozark actor Janet McTeer will take the helm. Rumors also suggest Irish actor Sharon Horgan might’ve been cast, but Janet definitely fits the bill with a new fresh take.

Confirmed — Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Ian Hart’s Professor Quirrell seemed both wizened and timid. However, a 29-year-old newcomer to the screen, Luke Thallon, is taking the role instead of dream cast options Fisayo Akinade (Heartstopper) or Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers). Both have a mild manner akin to Ian. Even TK from the MCU could easily execute Quirrell’s two-faced nature (literally) after his turn as TK. But Luke is fresh off his run as Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company, so we assume his acting chops are top notch.

Confirmed — Paul Whitehouse as Filius Filch

Paul Whitehouse from The Fast Show might seem like a rogue pick for Filch, but we expect his comedic timing to give Filch an entirely new and dryer disposition. More traditional dream casts have suggested David Schofield or Andy Serkis as the aging squib and cat dad to Mrs. Norris, but we can’t wait to see Paul’s interpretation.

Rumored — Cillian Murphy as Lord Voldemort

Everyone wants to see the “destroyer of worlds” himself, Cillian Murphy, as the attempted destroyer of the Wizarding World. Cillian became a household name in Ireland and the UK long before his Oscar-nominated(TK) performance in Oppenheimer. Even Ralph Fiennes, who played the original Voldemort, complimented Cillian’s acting. “I would be all in favor of Cillian,” he said on Watch What Happens Live in Dec. 2024. Warner Bros head Channing Dungey also responded, “no comment,” when asked if Cillian would play Voldemort in April 2025. Even still, we wouldn’t be disappointed if Sherlock and Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch or Loki star Tom Hiddleston or It villain Bill Skarsgard were given the reins.

Rumored — Kit Harrington as Sirius Black

How cool would it be to see Kit back as the daring hero in an HBO series? Jon Snow, his Game of Thrones character, was quietly rebellious, our rogue knight in shining armor. In many ways, Sirius Black is the same — an unexpected savior. Filling Gary Oldman’s shoes is a nearly impossible task, so fans have also suggested Lucifer’s Tom Ellis or Game of Thrones’ Richard Madden for the role. Even Tom Hiddleston could be a prime pick, proving we clearly just need Tom Hiddleston to be in the HBO reboot at any cost.

Rumored — Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Aunt Petunia Dursley

Perhaps it’s based on likeness alone, but rumors have circulated that Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge could take on the role of Harry’s jealous and judgmental Aunt Petunia. While the Dursleys were any kid’s worst nightmare when the first film was released, they are a source of campy humor on a rewatch years later. Phoebe is not only an accomplished actor and writer, but her comedic take could add a refreshing cartoonish element to the Dursleys, as if grotesque characters in a Tim Burton film. Cate Blanchett and Lucy Davis were also popular fan suggestions, but we just can’t unsee a Fleabag-Dursley crossover.

Rumored — Andrew Garfield as Remus Lupin

British actor Andrew Garfield has transformed from Spider-Man into an award-winning actor whose range of films includes romance, musical, comedy, and more. While some people would love to see James McAvoy or Thomas Brodie-Sangster as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher revealed to be both a werewolf and one of Harry’s father’s best friends, Andrew could easily portray this troubled, yet lovable, wizard.

Rumored — Mia Goth as Bellatrix Lestrange

Some outlets have suggested that the princess of horror, Mia Goth, is on the docket as a potential Bellatrix Lestrange. While she definitely can carry an eerie energy, filling Helena Bonham Carter’s shoes will not be an easy feat. However, after seeing Cynthia Erivo bring the real-life “Wicked Witch” to life in Wicked, fans are eager for her to take on the evil sorceress. Others have suggested Rosamund Pike, whose ability to play charming and chaotic simultaneously in Promising Young Woman and Gone Girl, make her another apt choice for the role.