(From left) Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and John Lithgow. Images: Andrew Cowley, Ruth Crafer, and Jessica Howes via HBO
The cast of “Harry Potter” the series is almost complete with the announcement of actors who will portray some of the major characters in the story written by British author J.K. Rowling, and the film adaptations became highly acclaimed throughout the ages.
HBO announced that Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu will be joining award-winning actor John Lithgow in the upcoming “Harry Potter” series, taking on the roles of Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape, respectively.
These two beloved roles were previously portrayed in the movies by the late British actors Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman. Lithgow, meanwhile, takes on the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, last portrayed by Richard Harris.
Also part of the “Harry Potter” series are Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid), Luke Thallon (Quirinus Quirrell), and Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch).
“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,” showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod said in a statement.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” they added.
The upcoming series is said to be a “faithful adaptation” of the beloved Harry Potter book series by Rowling, who will also wear the hat of an executive producer, although neither its show runner nor producers have yet to announce its premiere date and length of episodes, as of this writing.
HBO has yet to announce details about the “Harry Potter” series plot line. It also remained unknown if filming has already begun.
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling and will feature an exciting and talented cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years,” HBO said.
Originally written by Rowling, the “Harry Potter” novel series consists of seven novels overall, which tell the story of a teenage wizard named Harry Potter, as well as his adventures at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He develops a close friendship with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, where they navigate the hardships of growing up, as well as coming to terms with their respective magic abilities.
The novels were adapted to the screen in 2001, starting from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” to the two-part “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in 2010 and 2011.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson portrayed the titular Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively.