HBO has expanded the cast of its upcoming Harry Potter television series, announcing five new actors to portray Hogwarts’ iconic ghosts, the Fat Lady, and the Sorting Hat. The series, based on J.K. Rowling’s book franchise, is scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25, 2026.
New Cast Additions for Hogwarts Residents
On October 30, 2026, HBO confirmed five additional cast members for the first season of its Harry Potter adaptation. The new additions focus on the supernatural and enchanted inhabitants of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:
- David Threlfall, known for his work in Shameless, will provide the voice for the Sorting Hat, the sentient magical item responsible for assigning new students to their respective houses.
- Leo Bill has been cast as the Gryffindor house ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, also known as Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington.
- Andrew Brooke will portray the Bloody Baron, the intimidating ghost associated with Slytherin House.
- Daniel Fearn joins as the Fat Friar, the warm-hearted ghost representing Hufflepuff.
- Laura Smyth will play the Fat Lady, the portrait who guards the entrance to Gryffindor Tower and requires a password for entry.
These actors join an extensive ensemble already announced for the series. Other previously confirmed stars include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The wider ensemble features Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.
First Season Adapts Philosopher's Stone Across Eight Episodes
The first season of the show is based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. According to production details, the series is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. The project is being produced in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Executive producers include J.K. Rowling.
The series aims to explore the source material with more depth than the original film adaptations. With the first season spanning eight episodes, there is additional room to provide characters such as the castle’s ghostly inhabitants with more personality and moments to shine. These characters were previously seen on the big screen, but often received relatively little attention in the film versions.
Casting for Charlie Weasley and the Potter Parents
Recent casting news also includes the roles of Harry Potter’s parents and Charlie Weasley. Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn have been cast as James and Lily Potter, respectively. Their standoff with the Dark Lord is credited with setting the events of the books in motion.
Harry Gilby has joined the cast as Charlie Weasley, the second-eldest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley. His portrayal of Charlie in the upcoming series follows his previous work in Tolkien and The Last Kingdom.
Development of Season Two
Casting for this installment has already begun, with Kit Harington confirmed to play Gilderoy Lockhart. Other announced additions for the second season include Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, Lenny Rush as Dobby, Billy Barratt as Tom Riddle, Rafe Spall as Arthur Weasley, Molly Hewitt-Richards as Moaning Myrtle, and Jasper Ambrose as Colin Creevey.