The wizarding community is once again buzzing, and this time not because of a magical mishap in the Great Hall. HBO has officially gone ahead with the production of its highly anticipated Harry Potter series, and the fans’ excitement can be felt everywhere. Planned as a ten-year adaptation with an entirely new cast and a creative team that is more than willing to go beyond the books of J.K. Rowling, as compared to the movies, the undertaking is turning out to be the largest Potter revival after Daniel Radcliffe wore those iconic round spectacles for the first time. In a sense, to celebrate the start of this bold new chapter, we have here the 10 best casting picks and the most talked-about production decisions that have been the subject of the highest Gryffindor Tower whispers and the lowest Slytherin common room murmurs.
10. Introducing New Faces as the Golden Trio
HBO reportedly sifted through more than 32,000 young actors to find their Harry, Ron, and Hermione an audition process worthy of Ollivander himself. Ultimately, Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout landed the roles. McLaughlin (“Grow”), Stanton (a former West End Matilda), and newcomer Stout come with minimal screen baggage and maximum potential. The team says the combined talent is “magic” waiting to be shared with the world.
9. Warwick Davis Returns as Professor Flitwick
Longtime fans were in for a treat with the official return of Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick, the first-and thus far only-original film cast member returning for the series. His charms, lessons, and gentle wisdom will echo once more through the classrooms of Hogwarts.
8. Nick Frost becomes Hagrid
The new caretaker of the lovable half-giant is Nick Frost. Most famous for his comedic roles within the Cornetto Trilogy, Frost brings warmth and a surprising depth to Hagrid. Early behind-the-scenes photos show him fully suited up, and the fit seems perfect. Expect a mix of tenderness, humor, and heart-everything that makes Hagrid Hagrid.
7. John Lithgow Steps Into Dumbledore’s Robes
It might raise an eyebrow or two to cast an American as Albus Dumbledore. Still, John Lithgow’s resume speaks for itself: with his award-winning performances, not to mention his talent for accents, he’s more than capable of taking on Hogwarts’ wise and occasionally enigmatic headmaster.
6. Janet McTeer as McGonagall
The formidable Professor McGonagall will be played by Janet McTeer, who has performed critically acclaimed roles in Ozark and the more recent film The Menu. McTeer seems prepared to do justice to Maggie Smith’s memory with her commanding presence and emotional range.
5. Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu breathes new life into the perpetually troublesome, morally gray character of Snape. Fresh from acclaimed appearances in I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, Essiedu brings an intensity and nuance that’s perfect for a potions master whose history is anything but uncomplicated.
4. The Malfoys: Lox Pratt and Johnny Flynn
The blond villains that everybody at Hogwarts loves to hate are back: Draco Malfoy, played by newcomer Lox Pratt, and his father, the suave yet menacing Lucius, played by Johnny Flynn from The Crown and Stardust. Early looks suggest the Malfoys’ trademark elegance and menace remain firmly intact.
3. Meet the New Dursleys
Meanwhile, a revamped Privet Drive features Bel Powley as Petunia, Daniel Rigby as Vernon, and Amos Kitson as Dudley. Anticipate this trio putting a new but not unfaithful spin on the memorably odious family that brought Harry up.
2. Creative Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
The talent off-camera is equally impressive. Francesca Gardiner of Succession and His Dark Materials acts as showrunner, while Succession and Game of Thrones helmer Mark Mylod directs several episodes. Killing Eve writer Laura Neal joins the writers’ room, while Oscar winner Holly Waddington handles costume design. It’s a team stacked with prestige and passion for the material.
1. A Bold Artistic Vision: Faithful, Expanded, and Familiar
HBO promises a deeply faithful adaptation, with each season covering a single book and room to explore storylines that never made it to the films. Expect new faces like Peeves the poltergeist, and previously unseen locations such as the Hogwarts staffroom.
With that said, early set photos showed costumes and environments very similar to those of the original movies, with some debate over whether the series was adhering too closely to past designs versus honoring them. In either case, the creators say they’re trying to delve into the “real depths and crevices” of the wizarding world-even down to canon-accurate character ages, with Snape indeed being 31 at the start of the story. Fun fact: This huge audition process was carried out at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which served as the very home base where the original films were shot.