As time marches on, it appears we really are heading back to Hogwarts. For a few years now, a Harry Potter TV series has been in development at HBO, and slowly the project has been gathering steam. Now, it’s firmed up even further with a raft of official casting, following weeks of reports around specific individual roles. We don’t have the young trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione yet, but several Hogwarts teachers have been announced – several set to be long-term recurring roles, and others more limited.
As previously reported, Jonathan Lithgow has been cast as headteacher Albus Dumbledore; Nick Frost will officially be keeper of the keys, Hagrid; and Paapa Essiedu will be sneering it up as potions master Severus Snape. Plus, Janet McTeer will be playing Gryffindor head-of-house Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon will be defence against the dark arts teacher Professor Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will be caretaker Argus Filch. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” reads a statement from showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod.
The new series is a fresh adaptation of the books, likely including additional detail that didn’t hit the screen in the major film adaptations. It’s unknown when the series will begin shooting, but this casting is a sign of major pieces being put into place – once this thing gets into production, the race will be on to film the entire seven-book saga before the younger cast members age out of the roles. Stay tuned for casting news on the students.