The Wizarding World Expands: Casting Revelations for HBO's Harry Potter Series
HBO’s new take on the Harry Potter universe just cranked up the excitement, confirming a bunch of familiar faces to fill out the halls of Hogwarts and beyond. With the streaming wars in full swing, HBO isn’t holding back: they’re gathering talent ranging from BAFTA and Olivier Award winners to fresh up-and-comers, turning the beloved books into a sprawling prestige TV event.
Katherine Parkinson, who grabbed BAFTA glory for hilarious turns in projects like The IT Crowd, will swap computers for cauldrons to play Molly Weasley—the warm-hearted, plain-speaking mom at the center of the Weasley clan. Given Parkinson’s knack for mixing comedy with a fierce, protective streak, fans are pretty likely to feel she’s a match made in the Burrow.
The Malfoys are getting a fresh look as well. Lox Pratt steps in as the young Draco, and Johnny Flynn, who viewers might know from his sharp roles in period dramas and indie films, tackles the role of icy patriarch Lucius Malfoy. Their dynamic—cold, ambitious dad with his son tangled up in wizarding politics—has always crackled on the page. There’s real curiosity about what Flynn can do with Lucius, especially with his talent for adding depth to even the frostiest characters.
New Blood at Hogwarts and the Dursleys' Doorstep
Gryffindor House will see more familiar names on the roll call: Leo Earley appears as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni brings Parvati Patil to life, and Sienna Moosah will step into the shoes of Lavender Brown. These core students are the pulse of Hogwarts, and a chance for the series to give their subplots and friendships a bit more breathing room than the movies managed.
The Dursley family is coming to life too. Bel Powley, often praised for roles that balance awkwardness and sly comedy (like in The Diary of a Teenage Girl), will play Aunt Petunia. Daniel Rigby, already with a BAFTA to his name, becomes the blustering Vernon Dursley—another sign HBO wants heavyweight performances even from characters who don’t have a wand in their hand. Rounding out the household drama is the long-suffering Dudley Dursley, yet to be announced, leaving fans speculating who’ll face off with Harry in those Privet Drive scenes.
Turning to the Ministry of Magic, Bertie Carvel, known for his stage powerhouses like Miss Trunchbull in Matilda and multiple award wins on both sides of the Atlantic, will play Cornelius Fudge. Fudge is slippery and full of bluster, a role that should play to Carvel’s strengths.
These casting announcements join an already striking lineup. John Lithgow takes up the iconic half-moon spectacles as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu becomes the complex Severus Snape, while Nick Frost has been tapped to fill the boots of the gentle half-giant Hagrid. Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse round out the current roster as Professor Quirrell and Argus Filch, respectively.
The TV series is co-produced by Wizarding World Digital and Warner Bros. Entertainment, with every element tightly overseen by J.K. Rowling’s team. For long-time Potterheads and newcomers alike, these casting moves signal a bold gamble: make the wizarding world feel both fresh and like coming home. With cameras rolling, there’s a giant cauldron of anticipation—this reboot isn’t just sticking to the old magic.
