HBO finally confirms key cast members for Harry Potter TV series as Snape and Dumbledore roles among those filled
HBO has confirmed key roles for its upcoming Harry Potter television series after months upon months of speculation.
It has been confirmed that British stage actor Luke Thallon will portray Professor Quirinus Quirrell, the nervous Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Meanwhile, five-time Bafta winner Paul Whitehouse has been cast as Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch.
The announcement was made on Monday as the fantasy franchise continues to build its ensemble for the small-screen adaptation.
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Thallon, 29, is primarily known for his theatre work, most recently playing Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He has limited screen experience but expressed interest in expanding to film and television.
“I would love to do something on screen. I really would. There’s no pretending that I turn lots of things down, but I’m just waiting for the reason to go to screen to be as exciting and as fulfilling as the things I get to do on stage now,” Thallon recently told Deadline.
Whitehouse, 66, is a Welsh actor and comedian known for his work in British comedies including The Fast Show and Harry & Paul.
His film credits include collaborations with director Tim Burton on The Corpse Bride and Alice in Wonderland.
He also appeared in the 2017 film The Death of Stalin.
In the original Harry Potter films, the role of the villainous Filch was played by David Bradley.
Thallon and Whitehouse join an already impressive cast for the HBO series, which is being executive produced by Potter author J.K. Rowling.
American actor John Lithgow has been cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, whilst British actress Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Paapa Essiedu, known for I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, will portray Professor Severus Snape.
British comedian Nick Frost has landed the beloved role of gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer, in a news release.
The series aims to be a “faithful adaptation” of the seven Potter books, according to HBO.
The original film roles were played by Ian Hart (Quirrell) and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), who has since passed away.
The series has yet to cast the core roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, which were originated by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in the films.
No premiere date has been set for the HBO adaptation.
The original film series spanned eight movies and became one of the most successful franchises in cinema history.