Accio, all Harry Potter fans, because HBO has finally conjured up some casting news. That’s right, witches and wizards. The streaming platform shared the actors and actresses who are be joining the Hogwarts staff in the roles of Rubeus Hagrid, Argus Filch, Professor Quirinus Quirrel, Professor Albus Dumbledore, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape, the reboot marking the return of actor Paul Whitehouse to the Wizarding World. Keep reading to meet the actor and learn about his connection to Harry Potter!
Who Is Paul Whitehouse in ‘Harry Potter’?
For most of the cast, the reboot will mark the first time they step foot on Hogwarts soil—but not for Whitehouse. The 66-year-old British actor was previously cast as Sir Cadogan, a talking painting tasked with guarding the Gryffindor Common Room, in the 2004 film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Sadly, though, all of his scenes were cut. However, you can watch them below or wait until the reboot gets released and see him play Argus Filch, the school’s caretaker, who has a special bond with his cat, Miss. Norris—a role that David Bradley previously held.
Aside from Harry Potter, Whitehouse is best known for his work in projects including The Fast Show (1994 to 2014), Corpse Bride (2005), Harry & Paul (2007 to 2014), Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) and The Death of Stalin (2017). His comedic timing has been lauded throughout his career, making his casting as the frazzled—and slightly sinister—Hogwarts caretaker a perfect fit. As of publication, Whitehouse is the first—and only—actor to officially appear in both the television reboot and the film adaption of the books.
The ‘Harry Potter’ reboot gets a cast
On Monday, April 14, HBO announced that they had cast six key characters in the Harry Potter franchise.
John Lithgow—best known for The World According to Garp (1983), Terms of Endearment (1984), The Crown (2017) and Conclave (2024)—will play Professor Dumbledore, a role previously held by the late Richard Harris, followed by the late Michael Gambon.
He will be joined by Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds, The Menu, Ozark), who is expected to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon, who will play Professor Quirll, Whitehouse who will bring Argus Filch back to life, Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead and Skelton Crew) who will portray the half giant Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project and The Outrun) who will play everyone’s favorite broody Professor Snape.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director and executive producer, said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter.
As of publication, there is no word on who will portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, or Hermonie Granger—roles previously held by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson—but HBO has launched an open casting call.
‘Harry Potter’ reboot production details
Now that partial casting has been revealed, fans are eagerly awaiting the reboot’s drop. However, Potterheads will have to wait just a bit longer, as production is scheduled to start in the summer of 2025.
The cast will be heading to the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England, to bring the Wizarding World back to the screen. There is no word yet when the series will finish production or its expected premiere date.
