BIG Harry Potter Tv Series Casting Rumours, from Dumbledore to Voldemort (February 2025)
A new Harry Potter TV series is set to captivate fans for the next decade as HBO adapts each book into a full season. While unknown actors are being cast for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, rumors swirl about big-name stars for the older characters. No official casting yet, but speculation is at its peak. Who will bring these beloved roles to life?
Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow is reportedly in final talks to play Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, suggesting that Mark Rylance, once rumored as the top choice, may have declined the role. John Lithgow is best known for his roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun, The Crown, Dexter, and movies like Shrek.
Lithgow’s potential casting follows interest from Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the original films, and Mark Strong, whose name has also been mentioned for the iconic headmaster role.
Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu, known for Gangs of London and The Lazarus Project, is rumored to be in the running for the role of Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series. With standout performances both on screen and stage, Essiedu has established himself as one of Britain’s most exciting rising stars.
Some fans have expressed criticism about Essiedu playing Snape, as the character is traditionally described as a pale-skinned man with greasy black hair and a hooked nose. This has sparked debate since HBO’s Harry Potter series was initially promoted as a more “book-accurate adaptation”, making such a casting choice seem inconsistent with that goal. Despite this, many believe Essiedu’s acting prowess could bring a fresh, captivating take to the role.
Minerva McGonagall
Irish actress Sharon Horgan, known for Bad Sisters, is rumored to be the top choice for Professor McGonagall in the upcoming Harry Potter series. With her sharp wit and commanding presence, Horgan could bring a fresh yet familiar energy to the beloved Transfiguration professor.
Another name circulating is Oscar-nominated Rachel Weisz, whose casting would add star power to the series, though some see this as more of a strategic choice for recognition than a perfect character fit. Also in the mix is Janet McTeer, known for Ozark and Tumbleweeds, adding another strong contender to the casting speculation.
“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian.”
Lord Voldemort
With the upcoming Harry Potter series, there’s been plenty of speculation about who will take on the role of Voldemort. One name that has been making the rounds is Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.
The rumors became so intense that Ralph Fiennes, who originally played the Dark Lord, was asked about it. Fiennes responded enthusiastically, saying, “Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian.” However, newer reports suggest that Murphy might actually be considered for the role of Professor Quirrell in the show’s first season rather than Voldemort himself.
Rubeus Hagrid
An unexpected casting rumor making waves is Brett Goldstein, best known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Shrinking, who is reportedly being considered for Rubeus Hagrid, the kind-hearted gamekeeper originally played by the late Robbie Coltrane.
“For 20 years, people have kindly said they would’ve liked me as a young Sirius Black, but now I’m actually the right age for the character. I love the books, and much of my career has been based on literary adaptations. But as of now, I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”
Sirius Black
Since Sirius Black doesn’t appear until the third book, there’s still plenty of time before the role needs to be cast. However, that hasn’t stopped speculation that Ben Barnes might take on the part of Harry’s godfather. The Chronicles of Narnia and Shadow and Bone star addressed the rumors in an interview with US Magazine, saying: “For 20 years, people have kindly said they would’ve liked me as a young Sirius Black, but now I’m actually the right age for the character. I love the books, and much of my career has been based on literary adaptations. But as of now, I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”
Petunia Dursley
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known for Fleabag, Killing Eve, and Indiana Jones, is rumored to be in consideration for the role of Harry Potter’s bitter and sharp-tongued aunt, Petunia Dursley. The character, originally portrayed by Fiona Shaw in the films, is one of the most unpleasant Muggles in the series.
Molly Weasley
There are rumors that Jessica Hynes, a comedy actress known for her roles in Spaced and Shaun of the Dead, may take on the iconic role of Molly Weasley in the upcoming Harry Potter series. With her warm and comedic presence, she could be a fitting choice to bring the beloved Weasley mother back to life on screen.
Ollivander
Peter Capaldi, famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who, is also rumored to join the series as the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander. His commanding presence and distinctive voice could add a new depth to the character originally played by John Hurt.
What do you think of these potential casting choices? Who would you love to see bring these iconic characters to life?