Harry Potter's new cast announced: John Lithgow, Nick Frost to play Dumbledore and Hagrid respectively

HBO has officially announced the highly anticipated Harry Potter series, and the casting news is sending fans into a frenzy. While the wizarding world is introducing fresh faces, the major question remains: will any of the original cast members reprise their iconic roles?

The first casting bombshell has come in the form of John Lithgow, who will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster. Lithgow, renowned for his roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Crown, has called the opportunity a “huge commitment” and a role likely to define the final chapter of his career.

Fans are excited to see him bring his acting royalty to the character, as he will step into a role that has been previously immortalised by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the films.

Other notable cast members include Nick Frost as the lovable Hagrid, Janet McTeer as the stern yet compassionate Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu, who will portray the enigmatic Severus Snape. Paul Whitehouse rounds out the cast as the grumpy caretaker Argus Filch. These actors have been carefully chosen, with Frost’s comedy chops perfectly suiting Hagrid's warmth, and McTeer's gravitas bringing McGonagall to life.