Film news: HBO announces cast for new ‘Harry Potter’ series
In a world of remakes and sequels, it is no surprise that one of the world’s biggest franchises has finally been signed for a reboot - 14 years since its closing chapter was released.
The Harry Potter eight-film and seven-book series has long been famed as a global sensation that influenced generations of children and adults alike.
Film News Blitz’s Heidi Hardman-Welsh breaks down the seismic return of the famed and beloved wizarding franchise.
Blockbuster potential
The wizarding world, including both the main movie series and the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs, has made a total of $9.5 billion, making it the third-highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
Now, a TV series from HBO is being adapted authentically from the original books. It is expected to be lengthy, with a projected 10-year duration.
The new series is one of the hottest casting targets right now.
Having brought so much fame to the original cast, despite widely reported controversial views on trans rights held by the series’ author.
Potter recap
The world-famous film series chronicles the journey of an orphaned boy and wizard named Harry Potter, who discovers his magical heritage on his 11th birthday and begins attending the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The main plot centres around Harry’s struggle to confront and defeat the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry’s parents but failed to kill him, leaving him with a lightning-bolt scar.
Voldemort seeks immortality and aims to overthrow the Ministry of Magic to become the all-powerful ruler of the magic world.
The series primarily follows Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, along with his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, portrayed by Emma Watson and Rupert Grint respectively.
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However, for the new TV series, a slew of castings has just been announced, featuring some young talent, and equally, some famous faces.
Fans can expect fresh interpretations of characters that reflect the original book series they know and love.
Let’s delve deeper into the confirmed cast.
The golden trio
What has been imagined to be one of the most difficult casting decisions: the golden trio has been confirmed, and they are all brand new faces in the industry.
Dominic McLaughlin, an 11-year-old boy from Scotland, will portray the titular character, Harry Potter, in the upcoming series.
Hermione Granger, the intelligent and kind young girl, will be played by Arabella Stanton, a 12-year-old rising star from Britain.
Lastly, Alastair Stout, a red-headed boy from Britain, has been cast as Ron Weasley, Harry’s best friend.
Little is known about these young actors, but expectations are high as excitement builds ahead of the new series’ release.
Dumbledore - John Lithgow
John Lithgow, one of Hollywood’s most renowned actors, will take on the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
The beloved character has originally been portrayed by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, leaving big shoes to fill.
However, with Lithgow’s multiple Emmy awards, he is sure to showcase impressive talent for viewers to witness.
Professor McGonagall - Janet McTeer
The role of Professor McGonagall, played by the late Maggie Smith, is one to live up to, and Janet McTeer has stepped up to the challenge.
From Albert Nobbs (2011) to Ozark (2017-2022), the English actress has the talent and the look that bodes well for the beloved character’s portrayal.
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Hagrid - Nick Frost
Nick Frost, known primarily for his on-screen humour, will take on the role of Hagrid, an adored character in the franchise, portrayed originally by the late Robbie Coltrane.
Hagrid is a gentle giant who serves as somewhat of a father figure to Harry, bringing a heartwarming presence to the story.
While Frost will undoubtedly highlight Hagrid’s funnier moments, the role will also allow the actor to showcase a more emotionally in-tune and complex side to his acting ability.
Professor Snape - Paapa Essiedu
British actor Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Professor Snape, brought to life by the late, great Alan Rickman.
His stardom has rapidly risen in recent years thanks to his performances as Alexander Dumani in the action thriller series Gangs of London (2020), his role in Saoirse Ronan’s film The Outrun (2024), and his appearance in the Black Mirror episode “Demon 79”.
This new role is expected to elevate Essiedu’s fame to A-list status.
Draco Malfoy - Lox Pratt
11-year-old Lox Pratt is the newcomer taking on the role of Harry’s infamous rival, Draco Malfoy, originally played by Tom Felton.
Draco is a pureblood wizard from a long line of Slytherins and the spiteful bully of Harry and his friends.
The young actor has the striking blonde hair and blue eyes characteristic of the Malfoy family.
Lucius Malfoy - Johnny Flynn
British actor and musician Johnny Flynn is set to take on the role of Lucius Malfoy, the father of Draco, who is just as bitter as he is proud.
Flynn’s previous work includes the period piece Emma (2020), the David Bowie biopic Stardust (2020), and the TV drama Lovesick (2014-2018).
The character was originally portrayed by Jason Isaacs, who has voiced support for the new casting.
Petunia and Vernon Dursley - Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby
Harry’s cruel aunt and uncle will be played by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby, respectively.
Powley is recognized for her role as Minnie Goetz in The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015), while Rigby is known for his portrayal of Eric Morecambe in Eric and Ernie (2011) and his work as a comedian.
These characters were originally portrayed by Fiona Shaw as Petunia and the late Richard Griffiths as Vernon.
Molly Weasley - Katherine Parkinson
English actress and comedian Katherine Parkinson will take on the role of Molly Weasley, the mother of Ron.
The fan-favourite character is bound to be hard to replicate, especially when the one to live up to is the brilliant Julie Waters.
However, with her experience in shows like The IT Crowd (2006-2013) and Rivals (2024), Parkinson is well-equipped for the task at hand.
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Cornelius Fudge - Bertie Carvel
Bertie Carvel, who is known for his powerful performances in TV dramas and films alike, will step into the role of Cornelius Fudge.
The character was originally portrayed by the late Robert Hardy.
Carvel has previously assumed roles in governance, with his portrayal of PM Tony Blair in seasons 5 and 6 of The Crown - so this character should come easily to someone of his talent.
Professor Quirrell - Luke Thallon
Professor Quirrell will be played by a relative newcomer, 29-year-old Luke Thallon, who is best known for his portrayal of Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
This role marks his first major on-screen credit.
The character was originally portrayed by English actor Ian Hart.
Argus Filch - Paul Whitehouse
The ill-tempered caretaker of Hogwarts will be played by Paul Whitehouse, a British comedy legend.
The character of Filch was previously portrayed by David Bradley, who perfectly captured the essence of the grumpy old man.
Whitehouse is famed for his role in The Fast Show (1994-2014) and is likely to make this character his own.
Wands at the ready
With plenty to look forward to, the long-awaited return of this monumental franchise is set to awaken a magical beast that's been lying in slumber.
Cue the iconic Harry Potter theme.
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