The Harry Potter television reboot continues to take shape, with Nicholas Hoult reportedly joining the cast as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, according to Variety. The 36-year-old actor, known for his roles in Skins and his appearances opposite Superman in recent films, will take on the role of the vainglorious Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, a character originally played by Kenneth Branagh in the film series.
Confirmed Cast for the Golden Trio and Hogwarts Staff
HBO has assembled a substantial cast for the series, which is set to premiere globally on HBO Max on December 25, 2026. The first season will focus on the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with filming having begun on July 14 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden.
The three lead roles have been filled by newcomers: Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, having previously appeared in a Shakespearean production of Macbeth alongside Indira Varma. Arabella Stanton, who portrayed Matilda Wormwood on the West End and appeared in Starlight Express, will take on Hermione Granger. Alastair Stout, whose only prior credit is a fleeting appearance in a Jersey Royal potato advert, will play Ron Weasley.
Among the Hogwarts staff, John Lithgow was the first to be confirmed, playing Albus Dumbledore. He told Screen Rant: 'It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid. But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.'
Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, following the late Alan Rickman. Despite his previous support of LGBTQ+ rights, which differs from J.K. Rowling's views, it has been confirmed that this will not impact his role. Janet McTeer will play Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost will take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid. Frost told Collider: 'I'm going to try and do something, not different. I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there's scope for minutia. I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child.'
Additional Hogwarts Roles and Students
Other staff members include Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Warwick Davis reprising his role as Filius Flitwick from the original films. Davis described the move as a 'real homecoming' on Instagram, adding: 'Hogwarts has always held a very special place in my heart. Thank you to all the fans who have kept the magic alive — I can't wait to see you back in the classroom.'
The student body includes Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, and Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom. Wilmot's drama school, Articulate Drama School & Agency, congratulated him on Facebook, writing: 'Congratulations Rory! You're going to be a brilliant Neville Longbottom! So proud.'
The Weasley family will be portrayed by Tristan Harland as Fred, Gabriel Harland as George, Ruari Spooner as Percy, and Gracie Cochrane as Ginny, though Cochrane will step away from the role in season two.
Parents, Muggles, and Release Details
Among the adult characters, Johnny Flynn will play Lucius Malfoy, Katherine Parkinson will take on Molly Weasley, Bel Powley will portray Petunia Dursley, and Daniel Rigby will play Vernon Dursley. Bertie Carvel will be Cornelius Fudge, Amos Kitson will play Dudley Dursley, and Anton Lesser will take on Garrick Ollivander.
Other confirmed cast members include Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Finn Stephens and William Nash as Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Sirine Saba as Pomona Sprout, Richard Durden as Cuthbert Binns, and Brid Brennan as Madam Poppy Pomfrey.
Lord Voldemort has not yet been cast, with reports suggesting Cillian Murphy and Tom Hiddleston are in the running. Warner Bros TV boss Channing Dungey told Deadline in April that they were 'still weighing a couple of different options' for the villain.
The series will consist of eight episodes in its first season, with each of the seven books getting its own season. The first season will follow the plot of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, beginning with Harry being left on the Dursleys' doorstep in 1980 and picking up on his 11th birthday in 1991. The show is set to introduce a new generation to the Wizarding World, 15 years after the final film's release.
