Succession‘s Francesca Gardiner is the showrunner for the series adaptation of the seven Harry Potter books.
After various leaks, and one self-confirmation, HBO have revealed the lead adult cast for their forthcoming Harry Potter series.
The show, a project expected to last for a decade, plans to adapt all seven books in the wizarding saga. The series promises a “faithful adaptation”, adding in the bits excised by the film series.
The series regulars
The big name, as previously revealed, is John Lithgow (The Crown) as Albus Dumbledore. He’ll be joined by Janet McTeer (KAOS) as Minerva McGonagall.
John Lithgow (Credit: Jessica Howes), Janet McTeer (Credit: Andrew Crowley), Paapa Essiedu (Credit: Ruth Crafer), Nick Frost (Credit: Lee Malone), Luke Thallon (Credit: Phil Sharp), Paul Whitehouse (Credit: Mike Marsland)
They’re joined by Nick Frost (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) playing Rubeus Hagrid, with Pappa Essiedu (The Lazarus Experiment) as Severus Snape.
Also on the Hogwarts staff
Taking on recurring roles are Luke Thallon playing Quirinus Quirrell, with Paul Whitehouse (Harry & Paul) as Argus Filch.
Intriguingly, of all the new cast, Paul Whitehouse did film scenes for the 2004 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie as Sir Cadogan, although they remained on the cutting room floor.
With writer Francesca Gardiner (Killing Eve, His Dark Materials) installed as showrunner, Mark Mylod (The Menu, The Last of Us) will also direct multiple episodes. Interestingly, Mark Mylod directed Janet McTeer in The Menu, and was also the director of the Paul Whitehouse starring 90s sketch series The Fast Show. With his deep roots in UK comedy, we might expect a few more familiar faces in the cast.
Both Gardiner and Mylod take an executive producer credit, alongside J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
Doubtless there are further volleys of casting announcements to come. Not least of the principal three young actors taking on the roles of Ron Weasley, Hermonie Granger and Harry Potter himself.
We’ll keep you posted.