If you've been eagerly awaiting news on the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, today is a big day. For the first time, six major cast members have officially been confirmed, giving fans a glimpse into what's to come in this highly anticipated reboot. While the identities of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort are still under wraps, we now know who will be portraying iconic characters like Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and more.

Read on to discover the actors stepping into these legendary roles and find out which characters are still waiting to be cast.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery / Jessica Howes

Six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts' wise and enigmatic headmaster. Known for his immense magical prowess and moral strength, Dumbledore serves as a guiding force in Harry Potter’s life. His complex past, particularly his youthful bond with Gellert Grindelwald, adds layers of intrigue to one of the wizarding world's most revered figures.

Lithgow brings a wealth of experience to the role, having starred in acclaimed series and films such as 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, The Crown, Shrek, Perry Mason, Interstellar, and Footloose.

Trivia: In the original film series, Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, while Michael Gambon took over for the remaining films. Toby Regbo and Jude Law played younger versions of the character in Fantastic Beasts and related media.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery / Andrew Crowley

Acclaimed Tony and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Janet McTeer will bring to life Professor Minerva McGonagall, the strict yet fair Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House. As Deputy Headmistress under Dumbledore, she plays a pivotal role in Harry’s early years at Hogwarts—most notably helping deliver him to the Dursleys after the death of his parents.

McTeer has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed projects including Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Ozark, Sorry for Your Loss, and The Old Man.

Trivia: The role was famously portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith in the original Harry Potter films and by Fiona Glascott in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery / Ruth Crafer

British actor Paapa Essiedu, known for his powerful performances and Emmy nomination, steps into the role of Severus Snape, the complex Potions master and Head of Slytherin House. With a deep connection to Harry’s parents and an emotionally charged relationship with Harry himself, Snape remains one of the most compelling characters in the series.

Essiedu has previously appeared in I May Destroy You, Black Mirror, Men, Gangs of London, and The Lazarus Project.

Trivia: Alan Rickman originated the role in the original film series. Alec Hopkins played the teenage version, while Benedict Clarke portrayed young Snape.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery / Lee Malone

Beloved British comedian and actor Nick Frost takes on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts and one of Harry’s earliest allies. He rescues Harry from the Dursleys and introduces him to the magical world, becoming a lifelong friend and mentor.

Frost is best known for comedy classics such as Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End, Attack the Block, and Skeleton Crew.

Trivia: The late Robbie Coltrane originated the role in the original Harry Potter films. Martin Bayfield played the younger version of Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery / Phil Sharp

Rising star Luke Thallon will portray Quirinus Quirrell, the nervous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. Though initially timid, Quirrell hides a dark secret that becomes central to the events of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Thallon has appeared in notable productions such as The Favourite and Present Laughter.

Trivia: Ian Hart portrayed Quirrell in Sorcerer’s Stone.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery / Mike Marsland

BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse joins the cast as Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts and ever-present thorn in the side of mischievous students. Accompanied by his cat, Mrs. Norris, Filch spends much of his time trying to catch rule-breakers red-handed.

Whitehouse is known for The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, The Death of Stalin, Corpse Bride, Alice in Wonderland, and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Trivia: David Bradley originally played Argus Filch in the film series.

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast

While the six aforementioned roles mark exciting progress for the HBO Harry Potter series, many key characters are still uncast. Among them are:

• Harry Potter
• Ron Weasley
• Hermione Granger
• Lord Voldemort
• Draco Malfoy
• Sirius Black
• Remus Lupin
• Dolores Umbridge
• Alastor Moody
• Ginny Weasley
• Luna Lovegood
• Fred and George Weasley
• Arthur and Molly Weasley
• James and Lily Potter
• Bellatrix Lestrange
• Neville Longbottom
• Cedric Diggory
• Dudley Dursley
• Petunia and Vernon Dursley
• Lucius Malfoy
• Cho Chang
• Seamus Finnigan
• Dean Thomas
• Gilderoy Lockhart
• Dobby
• Nearly Headless Nick
• Moaning Myrtle
• Sybill Trelawney
• Filius Flitwick
• And many others...

Stay tuned for future casting updates and behind-the-scenes insights into this ambitious reimagining of the Wizarding World.

For more, check out our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters, learn about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO’s reboot, and follow our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.