HBO’s Harry Potter TV series: See the original cast vs. the new stars
Mischief recast: The next generation of Hogwarts is apparating in 2026
Last updated 26th Mar 2026
HBO’s TV remake of Harry Potter is underway, and the official teaser has finally debuted, unveiling the new cast in action for the first time since its announcement in 2023. With it, Hogwarts ushers in a new intake of witches and wizards ready to take on the Wizarding World’s most iconic roles.
More than two decades after the original films first cast their spell over audiences in 2001, the best-selling, seven-part novel series is being summoned back for a long-form TV reboot. This time, with fewer narrative portkeys, more time in the common rooms, and a closer adaptation of the books that fans still have memorised like spells (thank you very much!).
As the series’ makers continue to conjure fresh faces for characters that were first made iconic on the big screen, we’re lining up the new cast alongside the original stars to see how this latest chapter in the Wizarding World is taking shape. Following the official teaser, we take a closer look at the old and new Harry Potter cast - and what this early glimpse reveals about the series’ direction.
Take a look at the original cast vs. the new stars:
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe/Dominic McLaughlin)
Daniel Radcliffe first stepped into Harry Potter's robes in 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at age 11 and remained the boy wizard until 2011's Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Since then, he's enjoyed a varied career, from gothic horror The Woman in Black to offbeat indie Swiss Army Man and parody biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. The security that came from his Potter pay cheque allowed him to lean into these quirky, often risky roles, helping him step out of the Boy Who Lived's shadow and broaden his career beyond the Ministry of Magic. His portfolio also extends to theatre, with several performances at the West End and on Broadway - even winning a Tony Award for the musical Merrily We Roll Along in 2023.
During an interview with Good Morning America, Daniel revealed he wrote a letter to his counterpart, saying: 'I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did — I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time,' and admitted that when he sees photos of Dominic McLaughlin and the young cast, he 'just want(s) to hug them' because they seem so young and remind him what it was like doing it at that age.
For Dominic, being cast as the Chosen One has been nothing short of surreal. In an interview with the BBC he said: "I was always a huge Harry Potter fan when I was younger. And it was like the dream role, of course, so I'm thrilled to be able to be doing it." Before HBO's Harry Potter, Dominic was cast in two 2025 projects including Sky family film Grow, and the BBC adaptation of Marilyn Kaye's Gifted; both of which were lined up around the time his Potter role was announced.
Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint/Alastair Stout)
After leaving behind the Burrow, Rupert Grint has favoured smaller, off‑beat projects including war drama Into the White, cult crime caper Moonwalkers, and TV work in Sick Note, Snatch and M. Night Shyamalan's eerie series Servant - even a couple of Ed Sheeran music videos to boot.
Speaking to the BBC, Rupert said he'll probably "never fully step out of (Ron's) shadow," but he's comfortable with that, calling Ron a huge part of his life and describing the HBO remake as "the cycle happening again."
Ahead of filming the HBO series, he wrote a note to his new counterpart Alastair Stout "passing the baton," wishing him "all the best" and hoping he has the same kind of fun he did stepping into the Wizarding world.
Before receiving his Hogwarts letter, Alastair's previous and only credit was an advert for Jersey Royal potatoes. He was selected from around 32,000 children who auditioned for the three lead roles in the TV reboot.
Hermione Granger (Emma Watson/Arabella Stanton)
After disembarking the Hogwarts Express for the last time, Emma blazed a selective trail - moving from early post-Potter work in My Week with Marilyn, into standout roles in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast and Little Women.
Alongside acting, she completed an English literature degree at Brown University in 2014, became a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador spearheading the HeForShe campaign, and launched feminist book club Our Shared Shelf, balancing selective screen work with activism and sustainable fashion projects, quietly channelling Hermione in real life.
Arabella joined the series' leads after an 'extraordinary' talent search that saw tens of thousands of young actors audition, and impressed producers with her easy chemistry with Dominic and Alastair. Away from screen work, she's already a West End pro, having played Matilda in Matilda the Musical, and Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
The 11-year-old also voices Hermione in the new full cast audio editions of the books, making her the only member of the new trio to play the character in both TV and audiobook form.
Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris/Michael Gambon/John Lithgow)
Legends Richard Harris (1930-2001) and Michael Gambon (1930 – 2023) set a high bar before John Lithgow would ever pick up the Elder Wand. Richard originally stepped into Dumbledore's robes after a long career in films like Unforgiven and Gladiator, and his take on the headmaster in the first two films saw a serene, twinkly-eyed presence that made Hogwarts feel safe even when things turned dark.
Michael, a towering stage and screen actor in his own right, whose other credits include Gosford Park, Layer Cake, and The King's Speech, took over from Prisoner of Azkaban after Richard's passing and leaned into a more mercurial, battle-ready Dumbledore - bringing an edgier, unpredictable energy that matched the series' shift into darker territory. This allowed his iteration of the character to feel genuinely powerful when it came time to confront Voldemort.
Now, the Elder Wand is being passed to John, who will play the headmaster in the TV reboot. John is a heavyweight character actor with decades of work behind him, from sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun and villainous voice role Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to memorable TV roles in Dexter and Perry Mason; as well as multiple Tony winning stage performances.
He has said the offer "came as a total surprise" and that taking the part will "define (him) for the last chapter of (his) life," but that he is "very excited" to join what he calls "wonderful people turning their attention back to Harry Potter."
Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith/Janet McTeer)
The legend Maggie Smith (1934–2024), brought Professor McGonagall to life with her trademark mix of authority and warmth, appearing in all eight films from 2001 to 2011. Already a double-Oscar winner, she had made her mark in classics like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and A Room with a View, folding that sharp wit and commanding presence into a teacher who could be terrifying one moment and fiercely protective the next.
Toward the end of Potter and thereafter, she would continue to captivate audiences as the razor-tongued Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, cementing her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Director Chris Columbus once said they needed someone "you were intimidated by, but who had a real sense of warmth and heart," and that this was "exactly who Maggie is," which is why her McGonagall still feels like definitive casting for a whole generation of fans.
The reboot now sees Janet McTeer step into McGonagall's tartan robes. A Tony, Olivier and Golden Globe winner with Oscar nominated roles in Tumbleweeds and Albert Nobbs, and TV credits including Ozark and The Honourable Woman, Janet brings four decades of stage and screen prowess to Hogwarts' deputy head, making her an equally formidable choice to carry on the character's no-nonsense charm.
Severus Snape (Alan Rickman/Paapa Essiedu)
Alan Rickman (1946–2016) played Severus Snape across all eight films, establishing him as Hogwarts' Potions master, head of Slytherin, and an early thorn in Harry's side. Already celebrated for standout roles in Die Hard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Alan brought a unique blend of gravitas and subtle menace to Snape. Over time, the films revealed more of his history with Voldemort, Dumbledore, and Harry's mother, Lily Potter, turning him into one of the saga's most complex characters.
In the HBO series, Paapa Essiedu takes over as Snape after acclaimed work on I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project. His casting has since polarised the fandom, with discussions about race, representation and the balance between honouring a beloved legacy and how far you can reimagine a cultural touchstone. But while opinions differ, it promises an intriguing new take on a beloved character.
Posting a collage of the casting announcement to Instagram in April 2025, the actor wrote: 'An honour and a privilege to be going on this journey with these legends', he began. 'We shall eat and we shall leave no crumbs.' 'See you at Hogwarts', he concluded, signing off as: 'Professor Snape x.'
Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane/Nick Frost)
Robbie Coltrane will always be the first screen Hagrid for many fans, the towering Scottish actor who turned the half-giant into the series' big soft heart. Coming off acclaimed work in Cracker plus Bond films Golden Eye and The World Is Not Enough, Robbie gave Hagrid a mix of gruff humour and gentle vulnerability that made him feel like the one grown up who loved Harry without question. After all, "there's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid."
In HBO's remake, Hagrid is being reimagined by Nick Frost - best known for his comedic partnership with Simon Pegg in Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, playing Ed in Shaun of the Dead, and Danny Butterman in Hot Fuzz. In an interview with Collider, Nick Frost said: "I'm going to try and do something, not 'different,' I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there's scope for minutia."
He added: "I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can't wait."
Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton/Lox Pratt)
Tom Felton's Draco Malfoy is Slytherin snobbery from his first encounter with Harry on the Hogwarts Express, instantly positioning himself as Harry's rival. Throughout the series, Draco actively parrots his family's pure-blood ideology, stalks Harry around Hogwarts and is gradually drawn deeper into Voldemort's orbit.
Tom has also stayed a working actor since, with roles including Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Flash, and Murder in the First, and more recently, he took on his on-screen father Lucius Malfoy in his Broadway debut of Cursed Child.
Lox Pratt now plays Draco in the series, joining the franchise after being cast as Jack in the BBC's new adaptation of Lord of the Flies. The child actor recently shared insights into how the reboot will broaden Draco's character beyond what was seen in the original films and books.
"I think with this adaptation, you get to see so much more than the books," Lox said in an interview. "The books are very much over Harry's shoulder, which is great, and that's how they played the film as well." according to E! News.
Lox revealed that fans will gain deeper understanding of Draco's home life and the influences that inform his villainous streak. "There are some brilliant scenes at home where you start to get an insight into how he is," he said. "Because in the films, Draco is sort of 2D; he is the sneery villain. I feel like there's so much more you need to understand why."
Petunia Dursley (Fiona Shaw/Bel Powley)
Fiona Shaw played Petunia Dursley in the original films, bringing Harry's strict, magic‑averse aunt at Number 4 Privet Drive to the big screen. An acclaimed Irish actress, Fiona starred as the MI6 boss Carolyn Martens in Killing Eve, teacher in My Left Foot, and Mrs. Dean in Wuthering Heights adaptations.
In the HBO reboot, Bel Powley (The Morning Show, A Small Light) steps into Petunia's shoes, joining the Dursley household alongside Daniel Rigby's Vernon as the couple who take Harry in after his parents' deaths.
Vernon Dursley (Richard Griffiths/Daniel Rigby)
Before becoming the iconic gruff uncle in Harry Potter, Richard Griffiths was a seasoned actor known for his sharp comedic timing and dramatic depth, with standout roles in Withnail and I as the hilariously uptight Uncle Monty and in The History Boys on stage. He brought this mix of (humour and authority to Vernon Dursley, perfectly capturing Harry's overbearing, rule-obsessed uncle.
For the reboot, Daniel Rigby – who received a BAFTA TV Award for his leading role as Eric Morecambe in Eric and Ernie, and role as Waldo in Black Mirror - steps into Vernon's shoes, alongside Bel Powley's Petunia.
Dudley Dursley (Harry Melling/Amos Kitson)
Harry Melling played Dudley Dursley in the original films, appearing as Harry's spoiled cousin at Privet Drive. He is an English actor also known for playing Bobby Hicks in The Queen's Gambit, Harlan in The Devil All the Time, and Young Squatter in The Tragedy of Macbeth.
In the TV reboot, Amos Kitson now takes on Dudley, lining up alongside Bel Powley's Petunia and Daniel Rigby's Vernon as part of Harry's adoptive family.
Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis/Rory Wilmot)
Arguably the cast member who underwent the most striking on-screen transformation was Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom across all eight films, charting his evolution from a shy, forgetful Gryffindor into a decisive and pivotal fighter at the Battle of Hogwarts.
In the HBO series, Rory Wilmot takes on Neville's role, joining Harry's year as the loyal classmate whose journey from nervous first-year to courageous defender will now unfold gradually over multiple seasons.
Molly Weasley (Julie Walters/Katherine Parkinson)
Molly Weasley was portrayed by the BAFTA-winning English actress Julie Walters across all eight films, appearing as the Weasley family matriarch across the series from 2001 to 2011. Julie has starred in Educating Rita as Rita, Billy Elliot as Jackie, Calendar Girls as Celia, and Rosie Mulligan in Mamma Mia!.
For the TV adaptation, Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd, Doc Martin, and theatre's Home, I'm Darling) takes over as Molly, bringing her sitcom and stage experience to Ron's mum at the heart of the Burrow's busy household. Katherine's Molly awaits her on-screen Arthur as casting is yet to be confirmed for Mr Weasley.
Fred Weasley (James Phelps/Tristan Harland), George Weasley (Oliver Phelps/Gabriel Harland), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright/Gracie Cochrane) and Percy Weasley (Chris Rankin/Ruairi Spooner)
James Phelps portrayed Fred Weasley in the films - forming one half of the prank‑loving twin duo - who turned jokes into a business venture. Tristan Harland now takes on Fred in the TV version. Oliver Phelps played George Weasley opposite his real‑life twin James, rounding out the double act. Gabriel Harland, and real-life twin of Tristan Harland, will now take on George.
Ginny Weasley was played by Bonnie Wright in all eight films, appearing first as Ron's younger sister before becoming a key member of Dumbledore's Army and Harry's eventual love interest. In the HBO series, Gracie Cochrane is cast as Ginny, joining the Weasley sibling line‑up. Many fans felt the films didn't fully capture Ginny's personality from the books, so the new portrayal is likely to be a welcome update.
Chris Rankin portrayed Percy Weasley in the films as the rule‑following prefect and Ministry‑minded older brother. Ruairi Spooner now steps into Percy's role for the HBO adaptation.
Madam Poppy Pomfrey (Gemma Jones/Bríd Brennan)
Gemma Jones played Hogwarts matron Madam Poppy Pomfrey in the film series, overseeing the school's hospital wing. The English actress also appeared in Bridget Jones, as Pamela Jones (Bridget's mother) across all four films in the rom-com franchise. She also played Louisa Trotter in The Duchess of Duke Street, and had previous roles in Sense and Sensibility and Witchfinder General.
Bríd Brennan whose notable credit includes the role of Agnes in the Brian Friel play Dancing at Lughnasa, earning her a 1992 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play - now steps into the role for the HBO adaptation, taking over as the healer students. Let's cheers with pumpkin juice!
Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy/Bertie Carvel)
The disreputable Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge was played by Robert Hardy in multiple films, overseeing the Wizarding government as Voldemort's return loomed. He's also appeared as Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, and was noted for his acclaimed portrayal of Winston Churchill.
Bertie Carvel, whose credits include Doctor Foster and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been cast as Fudge in the TV reboot.
Madam Rolanda Hooch (Zoë Wanamaker/Louise Brealey)
My Family's Zoë Wanamaker played Madam Rolanda Hooch in Philosopher's Stone overseeing first‑year broomstick lessons and refereeing Quidditch matches.
Sherlock's Louise Brealey has been cast as Madam Hooch in the HBO series, returning the flying instructor and Quidditch coach to the screen as she puts new students through their paces on the Hogwarts grounds.
Garrick Ollivander (John Hurt/Anton Lesser)
Renowned actor Sir John Hurt's (1940-2017) Garrick Ollivander was seen in three films, introducing Harry to the idea that "the wand chooses the wizard", and what would become one of the film's most iconic scenes. The legendary English actor previously delivered iconic performances as John Merrick in The Elephant Man, Kane in Alien, Winston Smith in 1984, and Adam Sutler in V for Vendetta.
Anton Lesser now plays Ollivander in the TV adaptation. Recognised for his film roles as Qyburn in Game of Thrones, Chief Superintendent Bright in Endeavour, and Major Partagaz in Andor, he has also appeared in TV's The Crown, Wolf Hall, and 1899.
Filius Flitwick (Warwick Davis)
The only original film actor set to return to the series is Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick, the Charms teacher and Head of Ravenclaw, in all eight films. He will reprise the role in the series, but this time he'll focus solely on Flitwick, with Leigh Hill taking over goblin duties at Gringotts.
Griphook (Warwick Davis/Leigh Gill)
Warwick Davis performed a triple role in the original franchise - playing Griphook the goblin banker, a bank teller, and Professor Flitwick. Warwick has also played Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Willow Ufgood in Willow, and the Leprechaun in the horror comedy series.
For the HBO series, Leigh Gill - known for Joker: Folie à Deux and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - has been cast as Griphook, taking over duties at Gringotts while Warwick focuses entirely on Flitwick.
Professor Pomona Sprout (Miriam Margolyes/Sirine Saba)
Miriam Margolyes portrayed Herbology professor and Hufflepuff Head of House Pomona Sprout in the original films. The Australian-British BAFTA-winning actress also voiced Flynn in Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and starred in The Age of Innocence, Little Dorrit, and Baz Luhrman's Romeo + Juliet.
Sirine Saba – who trained at RADA and whose productions include Beauty and the Beast, Midnight's Children and The Tempest has been cast as Sprout in the TV reboot, joining the Hogwarts staff as the teacher who is capable of silencing a Mandrake.
Argus Filch (David Bradley/Paul Whitehouse)
David Bradley's Argus Filch stalked Hogwarts' corridors as caretaker with Mrs Norris at his heels, constantly on the lookout for misbehaving students. The veteran English character actor also appeared as Mr. Tumness in Hot Fuzz, Mr. Braithwaite in Captain America: The First Avenger, and Walder Frey in Game of Thrones.
In the TV reboot, comedian Paul Whitehouse takes on Filch, playing the non‑magical squib who favours rule‑keeping over Quidditch. Known for The Fast Show, Paul previously appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the painterly character Sir Cadogan.
Seamus Finnigan (Devon Murray/Leo Earley)
Harry's Irish Gryffindor classmate Seamus Finnigan was played by the memorable Devon Murray in all eight films, infamous for his tendency to cause small explosions in class. Or as McGonagall puts it in Deathly Hallows: "A proclivity for pyrotechnics".
Newcomer Leo Earley has been cast as Seamus for the HBO series, joining the trio's year group as one of Harry and Ron's fellow Gryffindor students.
Dean Thomas (Alfred Enoch/Prince Kundai)
Dean Thomas was played by Alfred Enoch in the films as one of Harry's fellow Gryffindors, often seen in the common room and classroom scenes. He can also be seen in Broadchurch, Sherlock and How to Get Away with Murder.
Prince Kundai, who recently made his theatre debut in Bootycandy, has been cast as Dean for the series.
Parvati Patil (Shefali Chowdhury/Alessia Leoni)
Shefali Chowdhury played Parvati Patil in the later films, including Goblet of Fire, where she attends the Yule Ball with Harry.
In the TV series, Alessia Leoni - who has no acting credits - and is reportedly of Italian origin will play Parvati. This decision also sparked debate in 2025 due to inauthentic South Asian casting choices.
Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave/Sienna Moosah)
Jessie Cave, who went on to become a popular social media figure and comedian, took on the role of Lavender Brown in the films, appearing most prominently in Half‑Blood Prince as Ron's (or Won-Won's) very enthusiastic and love-sick girlfriend.
Sienna Moosah now plays Lavender in the HBO version.
Gregory Goyle (Joshua Herdman/William Nash)
Joshua Herdman portrayed Gregory Goyle in the original movies, appearing alongside Crabbe as Draco's muscle in the corridors and on the Quidditch sidelines.
William Nash now takes on Goyle in the TV version.
Vincent Crabbe (Jamie Waylett/Jamie Talbot)
Jamie Waylett played Vincent Crabbe in the films as one of Draco Malfoy's Slytherin cronies.
In the HBO series, Jamie Talbot has been cast as Crabbe.
Has Voldemort been cast?
HBO are keeping their cards close to their chest on that one - however we do know one person it won't be. In what would have been an iconic, and dare we say perfect role for the actor, rumours have been rife that Oscar-winning Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer megastar Cillian Murphy was in the running to play the role of Lord Voldemort.
Sadly, this has been debunked, and it's not just fans that have been left disappointed, with original Voldy star Ralph Fiennes also weighing in. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, the legendary Voldemort actor said: "Cillian is a fantastic actor. I actually think that's a wonderful, wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favour of Cillian."
There has been no further talk as to who will fill the villain's robes.
When will the new series be released?
HBO has confirmed the first series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, will stream on HBO Max this Christmas.
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