HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series is edging ever closing – with nine new cast members now officially confirmed.
First announced in 2023, the show is adapting JK Rowling’s beloved novels for a new generation.
HBO confirmed last month that Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Meanwhile, other revealed castings include John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
Let’s take a look at the nine stars who will be joining them…
New Harry Potter TV series cast members
(Image courtesy of HBO)
Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
Parkinson, 47, played Jen Barber in Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd. She won a BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2014.
Airing from 2006 to 2013, the show followed the internet technology staff of fictitious Reynholm Industries.
The actress’ other credits include regular roles in Doc Martin, Here We Go and, in a change of pace, sci-fi drama Humans.
In 2020, Parkinson appeared in Taskmaster series 10 but finished in last place among the five contestants.
Beginning in 2024, she has played Lizzie Vereker in Disney+ period drama Rivals – based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel.
Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
Rising actor Lox Pratt will portray Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter’s rival at Hogwarts.
Not much is known about Pratt, however, he has another literary villain under his belt.
Pratt will portray Jack Merridew, the main antagonist, in an upcoming BBC Lord of The Flies adaptation. Though a villainous role like Draco, Jack symbolises violence and a desire for power.
Following news of his Harry Potter casting, he posted on Instagram: “Slytherin all the way! I’m totally thrilled to be able to share the news that I’ll be playing Draco Malfoy in the new HBO series of Harry Potter.
“Huge thanks to LucyBevanCasting and all the team for believing in me.”
Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy
Meanwhile, actor Johnny Flynn will be taking on the role of Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s Death Eater father.
The 42-year-old played protagonist Dylan Witter in Channel 4/Netflix sitcom Lovesick. This show aired from 2014 to 2018.
Additionally, Flynn has delivered notable performances as real-life figures, including David Bowie in Stardust (2020). He also played a younger version of humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton in One Life (2023).
No stranger to book-to-screen adaptations, Flynn starred as Jane Austen hero Mr. Knightley in 2020 film Emma.
In fact, he also worked with Lucius Malfoy predecessor Jason Isaacs in the 2021 film Operation Mincemeat.
Away from acting, Flynn is a musician and lead singer and songwriter of the band Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit.
His musical accomplishments include six studio albums and composing the theme song for BBC comedy Detectorists.
Fun fact: Flynn is the half-brother of Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn, who played Bronn.
Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley
Bel Powley is joining HBO’s Harry Potter cast in the role of Petunia Dursley, his Muggle aunt.
Powley, 33, began her career on CBBC spy series MI High. However, since leaving the show in 2008, she has racked up diverse film, theatre and television credits.
This includes a regular role as Claire Conway in Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show, during its first season. She starred opposite Hollywood heavyweights Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
In addition, Powley’s UK TV appearances include Benidorm and The Bill, while she played a lead role in miniseries A Small Light.
Based on the story of Anne Frank, she starred as Miep Gies, who helped the Frank family to hide during World War II.
Powley’s film roles include The King Of Staten Island, Turn Me On and White Boy Rick.
Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley
Joining Powley is Daniel Rigby, who will be portraying Harry’s Muggle uncle (by marriage), Vernon Dursley.
Rigby, 42, is a BAFTA winner for his role in 2011 BBC television film Eric and Ernie. He portrayed Eric Morecambe, of the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise.
He starred in Sky One comedy Sick Note – which featured future Harry Potter co-star Nick Frost and past star Rupert Grint.
Some of Rigby’s TV credits include Black Mirror, Flowers, Big School, Jericho and The Witchfinder. From 2015 to 2018, he narrated hit children’s show The Teletubbies.
Regarding his Potter casting, Rigby posted on Instagram: “Am joining this large grid of heads in @harrypotter @hbo! Thrilled to be playing the world’s worst muggle, Uncle Vernon.”
Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan
Young Irish actor Leo Earley joins the ensemble as Seamus Finnigan, one of Harry’s Gryffindor classmates.
The huge upcoming series seems to be Earley’s first major acting credit.
However, the Leitrim star appeared on RTE’s The Late Late Toy Show in 2024, although as himself.
Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil
In addition, Alessia Leoni is portraying Parvati Patil, another of Harry’s classmates in Gryffindor House.
Fans know Parvati is one-half of identical twins, with sister Padma sorted into Ravenclaw. Although as of writing, Padma has yet to be cast.
Similarly to co-star Leo Earley, the series appears to be Leoni’s first major acting credit.
She posted on Instagram: “Received my letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As a huge Harry Potter fan it feels so unreal!”
Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown
Rounding out a trio of Gryffindor castings, Sienna Moosah is set as Lavender Brown.
In fact, fans know Lavender becomes a love interest for Ron Weasley in Half Blood Prince.
Although in the films, Lavender (and Parvati) were recast multiple times each. Jessie Cave notably played her for the final three instalments.
Moosah shared on Instagram: “Extremely excited to share I’m heading to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I’ll be playing Lavender Brown in the new @hbo @harrypotter @streamonmax series. A dream come true. Thankyou.”
Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge
Last but not least, Bertie Carvel joins the cast as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic.
He is an Olivier Award-winning actor, his performances in Matilda The Musical (as Ms Trunchbull) and Ink (as Rupert Murdoch). Carvel also won a Tony for portraying Murdoch.
His television work includes starring as British Prime Minister Tony Blair in The Crown, appearing in seasons five and six.
Carvel has played lead/title roles in historical fantasy Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, as well as period crime drama Dalgliesh.
His other stage performances include playing US President Donald Trump in The 47th and Henry Higgins in Pygmalion.
Follow writer Conor O’Brien on X.
A lifelong TV and Film buff, Conor founded Courageous Nerd in 2019. He has conducted hundreds of interviews for the site, as well as written comprehensive feature articles on a variety of topics. You can find him on X: @conorrcn.
Leave a Reply