Which Actors Might Take on Iconic Roles in the New Harry Potter TV Show

Exciting news for Harry Potter fans: the magical world of Hogwarts is returning to our screens with a brand-new TV series, set to debut in 2026! This reboot brings Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the beloved Hogwarts crew back into the spotlight, 15 years after the final film, Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Here’s a look at four actors who could be part of this eagerly awaited series.

Cillian Murphy as Voldemort

Ralph Fiennes, renowned for his chilling portrayal of Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, recently weighed in on the possibility of Cillian Murphy stepping into the iconic role for HBO’s upcoming TV series. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Fiennes expressed enthusiastic support when asked about Murphy being a potential choice for the dark wizard.

“Cillian is a fantastic actor,” the Schindler’s List star said. “I actually think that’s a wonderful, wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian.” Fiennes, a two-time Oscar nominee, played Lord Voldemort, also known as He Who Must Not Be Named, in four of the eight films: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), and both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010 and 2011).

Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

On December 4, The Hollywood Reporter reported that 24-year-old actor Paapa Essiedu, known for his roles in I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project, and Black Mirror, is being considered for the role of Professor Severus Snape. This iconic character, who was portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the original Harry Potter films, holds a special place in fans’ hearts, making this casting choice one that many are eagerly speculating about.

Amid the mounting buzz, HBO addressed the speculation, reaffirming their earlier stance. They acknowledged that rumors are to be expected with a series of this magnitude but clarified that no details would be confirmed until the production process advances and official deals are finalized. For now, fans will have to remain patient for any official announcements.

Mark Rylance as Albus Dumbledore

According to Variety on November 11, 2024, English actor Mark Rylance is being considered to play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Variety reported that 64-year-old Mark Rylance is currently the top pick for the role, according to sources close to the production, though no official offers have been made yet. HBO told Variety, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

While Rylance may indeed be a contender, fans are encouraged to remain patient for official confirmations. Adding to the excitement, Deadline reported that Mark Strong is also rumored to be in the mix for the role.

Sharon Horgan as Professor McGonagall

Deadline’s full report on potential casting for the Harry Potter TV series also mentions Sharon Horgan as a possible choice for Minerva McGonagall and Brett Goldstein being rumored for the role of Rubeus Hagrid.

If the actors appear younger than their counterparts in the original films, it’s because the series is expected to align more closely with the “canonical” ages of the characters from the books, as Deadline noted. For instance, Snape will be portrayed as 31, while McGonagall will be 56. However, there’s still room for interpretation — after all, Dumbledore is approximately 115 years old in the first book!

The Harry Potter universe is one of the most cherished franchises, captivating fans across generations. To explore this enchanting world even further, we’ve uncovered some fascinating facts that even the most devoted Potterheads might have overlooked!