HBO has announced a fresh wave of castings for its highly anticipated Harry Potter television series. Each of the seven books will be adapted into its own season, with the newly announced ensemble adding depth to an already star-studded cast.
Among the newly cast characters are fan favourites from both the wizarding and Muggle worlds. The characters of Molly Weasley, Draco and Lucius Malfoy, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, and Cornelius Fudge have all been filled, alongside younger Hogwarts students like Parvati Patil, Seamus Finnigan, and Lavender Brown.
Lox Pratt is set to step into the role of Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin heir originally portrayed by Tom Felton, while Johnny Flynn will take on the role of his strict and aristocratic father, Lucius Malfoy, first brought to life by Jason Isaacs. The beloved Weasley matriarch, Molly Weasley, will be played by Katherine Parkinson, taking over from Julie Walters.
As for the trio of new Hogwarts students, Leo Earley has been cast as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni will portray Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah steps into the role of Lavender Brown.
Outside the wizarding world, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will portray Harry Potter’s infamously unpleasant aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley. Meanwhile, Bertie Carvel joins the series as Cornelius Fudge, the often-blundering Minister of Magic.
These additions follow HBO’s late-May reveal of its central trio. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will portray Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively.
Also joining the cast are John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. HBO has also confirmed Luke Thallon will appear as Professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch in guest roles.
Planned as a seven-season epic, the series aims to get deeper into Rowling’s wizarding world. The project will be directed in part by Mark Mylod, known for his work on The Last of Us, who is slated to direct multiple episodes and serve as an executive producer.
Despite the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s views on gender identity, HBO has emphasised that she will not be involved in casting decisions. Rowling will serve as a producer on the series.
Production is expected to begin later this year, with fans eagerly awaiting a fresh take on one of the most beloved stories.