WASHINGTON — HBO has officially announced several cast members for its upcoming remake of “Harry Potter.” The series, based on J.K. Rowling’s iconic novels, is expected to premiere in 2026 or 2027. 

Back in February, award-winning actor John Lithgow hinted that he will bring the beloved character of Albus Dumbledore to life. That role has now been confirmed by HBO, along with who will be portraying Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid.

Tony, Golden Globe, and Olivier award winner Janet McTeer will portray Minerva McGonagall, Emmy, Olivier, and BAFTA award nominee Paapa Essiedu will play Snape, and BIFA nominee Nick Frost will be Hagrid.

In addition to those series regulars, Luke Thallon (Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt,” Rupert Goold’s “Patriots”) and Paul Whitehouse (“The Fast Show,” “Harry & Paul”) join the cast in recurring roles, portraying Quirinus Quirrell and Argus Filch, respectively. 

“We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”

It is currently unclear who will portray Harry, Ron and Hermione in the series, however in December, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod revealed they were still going through the over 32,000 audition tapes received in the open casting call HBO put out last year.