HBO has announced the first group of actors who will star in its new Harry Potter TV series. The show will feature a brand new cast and tell the story of the original books in more detail than the films.

John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer has been cast as Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Severus Snape. Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon has been chosen as Professor Quirrell. Paul Whitehouse will appear as the caretaker Argus Filch.

The show is expected to begin filming in the summer of 2025. A release date has not been confirmed.

HBO held open auditions in September 2024 to find new young actors for the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The casting call was for children aged 9 to 11 and received more than 30,000 entries. The main trio has not been announced yet.

The series will be released over ten years, with each season based on one of the seven books by J.K. Rowling. The show’s writers and producers say the story will stay true to the books and give more time to each part of the story.

Francesca Gardiner is the showrunner and Mark Mylod will direct several episodes. Both are also executive producers, along with J.K. Rowling, David Heyman and others.

The new series will be shown on HBO and is aimed at both old fans and a new generation of viewers. Further casting news is expected soon.