Where you’ve seen the HBO Harry Potter cast before

Posted on 4 Jun 2025

HBO’s upcoming *Harry Potter* TV series promises to be the most faithful on-screen adaptation of the books to date - and it’s already conjuring up excitement with its spellbinding cast. Slated for release in 2027, the series will feature a new generation of witches and wizards, and features a host of West End heavyweights. From Olivier Award winners to stage prodigies, the casting reads like a who’s who of London’s theatre scene. Here’s where you’ve seen the stars of the new Hogwarts before they got their acceptance letters… ### **Janet McTeer – Professor Minerva McGonagall** The formidable Deputy Headmistress will be played by none other than **Janet McTeer**, a towering presence in both stature and talent. McTeer won an Olivier and Tony Award for her role in *A Doll’s House*, and has been nominated for a further three Oliviers and two Oscars since! Most recently she could be seen in [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/national-theatre-london)’s *Phaedra*, and on TV, in the multi award-winning *Ozark*, and fan favourite *Jessica Jones*. With McTeer at the helm, McGonagall will be every bit as sharp, witty, and warm as fans remember. ### **Arabella Stanton – Hermione Granger** Making the leap from one magical role to another, **Arabella Stanton** takes on Hermione Granger. She recently dazzled West End audiences in [*Matilda the Musical*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/matilda-the-musical-tickets) - one of the most decorated musicals in London theatre history, with seven Olivier Awards (tied with [*Hamilton*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hamilton-west-end-tickets), *Sunset Boulevard*, and [*Cabaret*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/cabaret-london-tickets)*)*. Stanton is part of a growing tradition of young stars who prove they can lead a show and still crush their schoolwork. Hermione's brains and bravery are in good hands. ### **John Lithgow – Albus Dumbledore** A surprising but inspired casting choice, **John Lithgow** brings warmth, wisdom, and a touch of mischief to Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow made his West End debut this year in [*Giant*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/giant-tickets), playing Roald Dahl to great acclaim - and winning an Olivier Award in the process. Previously known for *The Crown*, *3rd Rock from the Sun*, and the Oscar nominated *Conclave*, Lithgow blends gravitas and eccentricity like few can.

### **Paapa Essiedu – Severus Snape** **Paapa Essiedu** is set to deliver a fresh, complex take on one of the wizarding world’s most misunderstood characters. He’s no stranger to weighty roles: this year, he earned an Olivier nomination for *Death of England: Delroy*, narrowly losing out to *Giant*’s John Lithgow (lets hope there are no awkward staffroom meetings incoming). Essiedu has also been celebrated for *The Effect*, and will appear in [*All My Sons*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/all-my-sons-tickets) this November alongside **Bryan Cranston** and **Marianne Jean-Baptiste**. Combined with TV credits in *I May Destroy You*, *The Lazarus Project*, and *Gangs of London*, it’s clear Essiedu’s Snape will be one to watch. ### **Paul Whitehouse – Argus Filch** Comedy legend **Paul Whitehouse** will play Hogwarts’ grumpiest caretaker, Argus Filch. Known for *The Fast Show* and *Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing*, Whitehouse also co-wrote and starred in *Only Fools and Horses the Musical*, playing Grandad. With decades of comedic timing under his belt, expect a Filch who’s hilariously miserable - and unexpectedly endearing. ### **Luke Thallon – Professor Quirrell** **Luke Thallon** might be new to the mainstream, but theatre lovers will recognise him from his sparkling turn opposite **Andrew Scott** in *Present Laughter*. Most recently, he played *Hamlet* at [Shakespeare’s Globe](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/tickets/shakespeares-globe-theatre), proving he can handle complexity, charisma, and inner torment - bringing new depth to the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor with a very dark secret. **Can’t Wait Until 2027?** If you're itching for a magical fix before the HBO series lands, [*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-tickets) at the [Palace Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/palace-theatre-london) is the place to be. Packed with dazzling effects, emotional twists, and a time-turning plot, it's the perfect potion to tide you over until Hogwarts returns to our screens.