HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television series has confirmed new actors for several key roles, including the spectral inhabitants of Hogwarts and the Sorting Hat itself. The series, set to adapt J.K. Rowling's seminal works, has already revealed its leads, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
New Ghosts Haunt Hogwarts
The latest casting news brings in Leo Bill to play Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor house ghost. The role was previously portrayed by John Cleese in the film adaptations. Andrew Brooke will take on the mantle of the Bloody Baron, Slytherin House's ghost, a part once held by the late Terence Bayler. Daniel Fearn is cast as the Fat Friar, Hufflepuff House's ghost, previously played by the late Simon Fisher-Becker. Laura Smyth will portray the Fat Lady, the portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower's entrance, a role originally filled by Elizabeth Spriggs. These characters join Peter Serafinowicz, who was previously announced as Peeves the Poltergeist, a character absent from the film series.
The Sorting Hat Gets a New Voice
David Threlfall has been cast as the Sorting Hat, the magical object responsible for assigning students to their respective houses. This iconic voice role was previously performed by Leslie Phillips in the films.
Further Key Role Confirmations
In addition to the ghosts and the Sorting Hat, HBO has also confirmed Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn as James and Lily Potter, respectively. Harry Gilby will portray Charlie Weasley, the eldest Weasley brother. These additions follow earlier announcements of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, among others.
The extensive cast for the first season, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, also includes Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland as George Weasley, Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, William Nash as Gregory Goyle, Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, and Sirine Saba as Pomona Sprout. Daniel Rigby will play Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Richard Durden as Cuthbert Binns, Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch, Bríd Brennan as Poppy Pomfrey, Leigh Gill as Griphook, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
Second Season Additions
Casting is also underway for the second season, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Kit Harington is set to play Gilderoy Lockhart, Lenny Rush will voice Dobby, Billy Barratt will portray Tom Riddle, and Rafe Spall has been cast as Arthur Weasley.
The first season of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25.