The HBO Harry Potter TV series has reached an exciting milestone with the announcement of the first six cast members. While the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Lord Voldemort are yet to be revealed, fans now have a glimpse of who will portray key characters like Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and others.

Read on to discover the officially confirmed cast for this fresh adaptation of the Harry Potter universe, as well as which major characters are still awaiting their actors.

Confirmed Cast:

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

John Lithgow Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Jessica Howes

John Lithgow, a six-time Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner, will bring to life Albus Dumbledore, the esteemed headmaster of Hogwarts and one of the most powerful wizards in history. Dumbledore plays a pivotal role as a mentor to Harry Potter and has a complex past intertwined with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Lithgow's extensive career includes notable roles in 3rd Rock From the Sun, Dexter, The Crown, Shrek, The World According to Garp, Perry Mason, The Old Man, Footloose, Terms of Endearment, and Interstellar.

Who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films? Richard Harris portrayed Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, followed by Michael Gambon for the remainder of the series. Younger versions of the character were played by Toby Regbo and Jude Law.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Janet McTeer Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Andrew Crowley

Janet McTeer, acclaimed with a Tony Award and a Golden Globe, will embody Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. McGonagall is introduced early in the series, playing a crucial role from the very beginning when she helps Dumbledore deliver Harry to the Dursleys. McTeer's previous works include Me Before You, The Menu, Albert Nobbs, Tumbleweeds, The Old Man, Ozark, and Sorry for Your Loss.

Who played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films? Dame Maggie Smith in the original series and Fiona Glascott in the Fantastic Beasts series.

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

Paapa Essiedu Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Ruth Crafer

Paapa Essiedu, an Emmy-nominated actor, will take on the challenging role of Severus Snape, the enigmatic Potions professor and head of Slytherin. Snape's complex relationship with Harry Potter and his parents, James and Lily, adds depth to the narrative. Essiedu's notable performances include I May Destroy You, The Outrun, Black Mirror, Men, The Lazarus Project, and Gangs of London.

Who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films? Alan Rickman, with Alec Hopkins and Benedict Clarke portraying younger versions of Snape.

Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

Nick Frost Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Lee Malone

Nick Frost will bring warmth and humor to Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant and gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid plays a significant role in Harry's life, from rescuing him from the Dursleys to becoming one of his closest friends. Frost's comedic talents have shone in films like Shaun of the Dead, Skeleton Crew, The World's End, Hot Fuzz, and Attack the Block.

Who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films? Robbie Coltrane, with Martin Bayfield as young Hagrid.

Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell

Luke Thallon Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Phil Sharp

Luke Thallon steps into the role of Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's first year at Hogwarts. As a rising star, Thallon has appeared in The Favourite and Present Laughter.

Who played Quirinus Quirrell in the Harry Potter films? Ian Hart.

Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

Paul Whitehouse Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery/Mike Marsland

BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch, the strict caretaker of Hogwarts, often accompanied by his cat, Mrs. Norris. Whitehouse's versatile career includes roles in The Fast Show, Harry & Paul, The Death of Stalin, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Corpse Bride, and Alice in Wonderland.

Who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films? David Bradley.

Major Characters Yet to Be Cast:

• Harry Potter
• Ron Weasley
• Hermione Granger
• Lord Voldemort
• Draco Malfoy
• Sirius Black
• Remus Lupin
• Dolores Umbridge
• Alastor Moody
• Ginny Weasley
• Luna Lovegood
• Fred Weasley
• George Weasley
• Arthur Weasley
• Molly Weasley
• James Potter
• Lily Potter
• Bellatrix Lestrange
• Neville Longbottom
• Cedric Diggory
• Dudley Dursley
• Petunia Dursley
• Vernon Dursley
• Lucius Malfoy
• Cho Chang
• Seamus Finnigan
• Dean Thomas
• Gilderoy Lockhart
• Dobby
• Nearly Headless Nick
• Moaning Myrtle
• Sybill Trelawney
• Filius Flitwick
• And many more...

For more insights into the world of Harry Potter, explore our ranking of the 25 best Harry Potter characters from the movies and books, learn about the producing duo leading the charge on HBO's reboot, and discover our guide to reading your way through the Harry Potter books.