Rumor: Recast for Severus Snape? Meet the new cast of the HBO Harry Potter Series

Potterheads, listen up! This week, a big chunk of the cast for the brand-new HBO Harry Potter series was revealed – and wow, what a line-up!

The new cast of the HBO Harry Potter series

Who will play the new Harry, Ron, and Hermione?

• Dominic McLaughlin steps into the role of Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. He’s 11 years old and will also appear in BBC’s Gifted (late 2025) and Sky’s upcoming film Grow.
• Arabella Stanton, also 11, becomes Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her age. This is her on-screen debut, but she already dazzled audiences in Matilda on London’s West End.
• Alastair Stout is Ron Weasley, Harry’s red-headed best friend. He’s only acted in a commercial before (for Albert Barlett potatoes!), so this is his first big break!

Other new faces at Hogwarts

The following cast members were also announced:

• Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, who also stars in the new Lord of the Flies (BBC).
• Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan.
• Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil.
• Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.

Previously announced:

• John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, the wise headmaster of Hogwarts.
• Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, the strict but fair Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration Professor.
• Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, the mysterious Potions Professor.
• Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved half-giant.
• Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, the first-year Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
• Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker.

And the other cast?

• Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, known for Lovesick, Stardust, and Emma. Jason Isaacs — the original Lucius — called him “brilliant”.
• Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, nominated for a BIFA and winner of the Trophée Chopard at Cannes.
• Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, who proudly said he’s “thrilled to be the world’s worst Muggle”.
• Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, known from The IT Crowd and a BAFTA-winner.
• Bertie Carvel as Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge.

“Faithful adaptation” of the Harry Potter books

This new series is exactly what fans have been waiting for! Each season covers one full book – from start to finish – without skipping scenes. That means even the smaller, fun side-plots that the movies left out will finally be brought to life.

HBO promises everything will look and feel magical and accurate: the familiar spells, Hogwarts, the characters – all will stay true to the books. Whether you’ve loved Harry Potter for 20 years or are just starting: this series is made for you!

Rumor: Recast for Severus Snape?

Still, a storm cloud is already gathering over Hogwarts – and it’s all about Severus Snape. When HBO announced Paapa Essiedu as the iconic Potions Professor, the internet blew up. It’s not about his acting skills (he was amazing in I May Destroy You), but many Harry Potter fans fear his appearance strays too far from Snape’s book description: a “thin man with sallow skin, a large hooked nose, and shoulder-length, greasy black hair framing his face.” Critics have called the choice “forced diversity,” arguing that the series no longer feels “book-accurate” – the very thing HBO promised.

The backlash quickly led to demands for a recast. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod remain firm: every actor was chosen for their “exceptional talent.” J.K. Rowling added her voice to the mix on X, saying she has “no power to fire actors” and trusts the creative team.

And now, there’s a juicy new rumor fanning the flames: that HBO may be planning to recast Snape. Whispers are flying on social media platforms that Paapa Essiedu could take on a different role. As of now, none of this has been confirmed – it’s still just a rumor!

Image: @HPotterUniverse

A recast could cause major logistical headaches and possibly damage HBO’s reputation even more. On the other hand, once filming begins, the casting choice will be locked in – and the fans’ reaction, good or bad, will follow.

What this whole situation really shows is just how much fans care about the tiny details in the Harry Potter books – from Snape’s greasy hair to his pale face. We’re all emotionally invested, and who can blame us? Will Essiedu be our definitive Snape, or will HBO go another direction? For now, we wait for those first official set photos. One thing’s certain: the fan debate is far from over!

What do you think?

Are you excited about the new Harry Potter cast and happy to see Paapa Essiedu as Snape, or are you secretly hoping for a recast?