LONDON: HBO has finally revealed several key cast members for its much-anticipated Harry Potter television series, introducing fresh faces to some of the franchise’s most iconic characters.
British actor and comedian Nick Frost, famed for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, has been cast as the beloved half-giant Hagrid.
Paapa Essiedu, acclaimed for his performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs of London, will take on the complex role of Severus Snape.
Oscar-nominated actress Janet McTeer, known for Ozark and Albert Nobbs, will portray the stern yet kind-hearted Professor McGonagall.
Veteran British comedian Paul Whitehouse, famous for The Fast Show and Harry & Paul, will bring to life Hogwarts’ perpetually grumpy caretaker, Argus Filch.
HBO has also confirmed that Emmy and Olivier Award-winning actor John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, a role he first announced earlier this year.
Filming for the series is expected to start this summer, with the first season airing as early as next year.
However, the central trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione remains uncast.
HBO’s global open casting call for these roles drew over 30,000 submissions.
The show, developed under the direction of showrunner Francesca Gardiner (Succession) and executive producer Mark Mylod, promises to offer a deeper exploration of J.K. Rowling’s original novels.
Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, with HBO assuring that the series will be a “faithful adaptation” of the beloved book series.
As fans eagerly await updates on who will be cast as Harry Potter, speculation continues to swirl about other high-profile additions to the cast, including rumours that Cillian Murphy may be joining in the role of Lord Voldemort.
