Empire State Review Team 
LOS ANGELES – The much-loved “Harry Potter” franchise is set to make its debut as a television series, as announced by HBO.
First Cast Members Announced for the ‘Harry Potter’ Series
In a press release from HBO, several key cast members for the upcoming series have been revealed. Notably, acclaimed actor John Lithgow, recognized for his six Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards, will portray the iconic Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow’s previous roles include performances in acclaimed series and films such as “The Crown,” “The World According to Garp,” and “Terms of Endearment.”
Other significant cast announcements include:
- Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
- Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Additionally, Luke Thallon will take on the role of Quirinus Quirrell, while Paul Whitehouse, a recipient of five BAFTA awards, has been cast as Argus Filch.
Key Characters Yet to be Revealed
Despite the notable cast announcements, major roles such as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger remain unfilled, with speculation still surrounding who will bring these beloved characters to life.
HBO’s Vision for the Series
Francesca Gardiner, serving as the showrunner and executive producer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.” The network has emphasized that the series aims to be a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s original book series.
Global Streaming Availability
The “Harry Potter” series is set to stream exclusively on Max, with availability extending to international markets such as Turkey, the UK, Germany, and Italy, among others.
A Legacy to Build Upon
This forthcoming HBO series arrives over a decade after the final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” was released in 2011. The original “Harry Potter” book series, written by J.K. Rowling, spanned from 1997 to 2007, culminating in eight successful films and several spin-offs, including the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise and the hit play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
The excitement surrounding the adaptation is fueled by the franchise’s enduring popularity, which has captivated fans for more than 25 years.
The Source: This information originates from a press release by HBO, dated April 14, 2025, and was reported from Los Angeles.
