The Official Cast Of The Harry Potter Max Series: New Actors, 7-Season Commitment, And 2027 Release Date

The Wizarding World is officially being rebooted for a new generation, and the casting news is finally here. As of December 18, 2025, the highly-anticipated HBO Original Series, a faithful, seven-season adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s iconic books, has confirmed its main trio and a host of beloved Hogwarts staff, ending months of intense global speculation. This new series promises a "deep dive into each of the iconic books," giving fans the detail and depth the original films couldn't capture, with production officially commencing in mid-2025.

The new Max series, set for a 2027 debut, is one of the most ambitious television projects ever undertaken, committed to adapting all seven novels with a fresh ensemble of talent. With a new creative team and an executive producer role for J.K. Rowling herself, the focus is on a chapter-by-chapter retelling that will finally bring characters like the poltergeist Peeves to the screen. Here is the definitive, up-to-date breakdown of every actor officially announced for the Harry Potter television show.

The New Golden Trio and Key Hogwarts Staff: Official Cast List

The most crucial casting decisions—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—were announced in May 2025, introducing three screen newcomers to the world. Their casting was immediately followed by a public endorsement from executive producer J.K. Rowling, who stated she "couldn't be happier." The selection of a predominantly new, young cast mirrors the approach of the original films, ensuring the series grows with its audience and characters over its intended seven-year run.

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Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter

• Role: The Boy Who Lived, the central protagonist.
• Biography Snapshot: Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin was the first to be announced in the coveted lead role of Harry Potter. His casting marks a significant debut for the young actor, who will carry the weight of the Max series’ success.

Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger

• Role: The brightest witch of her age, Harry’s closest female friend.
• Biography Snapshot: Arabella Stanton joins McLaughlin as Hermione Granger. Her selection, confirmed alongside the other two leads, was praised for capturing the character’s intelligence and fierce loyalty, setting the stage for a new, detailed portrayal of the Muggle-born witch.

Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley

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• Role: The youngest Weasley son and Harry’s first friend in the Wizarding World.
• Biography Snapshot: Completing the iconic trio is Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Stout is tasked with bringing Ron's humor, insecurity, and deep-seated bravery to life across the seven seasons of the adaptation.

John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

• Role: Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Biography Snapshot: Veteran actor John Lithgow has been confirmed as the new Albus Dumbledore, a piece of casting that has generated immense excitement among fans. Lithgow's presence lends significant prestige and gravitas to the cast, promising a nuanced and powerful performance of the enigmatic Headmaster.

Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

• Role: Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts and Head of Gryffindor House.
• Biography Snapshot: Award-winning actress Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall. Her casting ensures a strong, authoritative, and deeply caring presence for the character, a core figure in Harry’s Hogwarts life.

Louise Brealey as Madam Pomfrey

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• Role: The beloved and no-nonsense Matron of the Hogwarts Hospital Wing.
• Biography Snapshot: Known for her roles in British television, Louise Brealey was added to the cast in July 2025. She will bring her considerable talent to the role of Madam Pomfrey, a key supporting character often overlooked in the original films.

The Expanding Ensemble: Confirmed Supporting Cast Members

The commitment to a seven-season, book-per-season format means the series will feature a vast ensemble, requiring a massive casting effort for hundreds of roles. Recent announcements have filled out the ranks of both Harry’s friends and his adversaries, promising a rich tapestry of characters that will allow for a more thorough exploration of the Wizarding World’s lore and side stories.

Confirmed Student and Family Roles:

• Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom: The series is expected to give Neville’s arc the attention it deserves, starting with his initial shyness and leading to his eventual heroism.
• Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley: Harry’s spoiled, bullying cousin, a critical character for establishing Harry’s miserable life before Hogwarts.
• Molly Weasley, Draco Malfoy, and Lucius Malfoy: These major roles have been officially cast, though the specific actors’ names have yet to be widely published, indicating a focus on establishing the core family dynamics right from the start.
• Seamus Finnigan and Parvati Patil: Two more Gryffindor students who will be integral to the atmosphere of the House and Harry’s social circle.
• Lavender Brown: A later but important addition to the Gryffindor roster, particularly in the fifth and sixth books.

Confirmed Adult and Ministry Roles:

• Mr. & Mrs. Dursley: The casting for Harry’s cruel aunt and uncle has been confirmed, ensuring the foundational narrative of Harry’s childhood abuse is set.
• Cornelius Fudge: The Minister for Magic, a key political figure whose incompetence drives much of the later conflict. His actor has also been officially cast.

The sheer volume of named characters, from the most minor to the most pivotal, underscores the showrunner's promise to adapt the books with a fidelity never before seen. The early casting of roles like Dudley Dursley and Madam Pomfrey suggests a focus on the smaller, character-driven moments that truly define the world.

Production Timeline, Creative Team, and Future Speculation

The Harry Potter Max series is not just a reboot; it’s a long-term, high-stakes investment for Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO. The commitment to a seven-season run, with each season covering one book, is a testament to their confidence in the project's potential and the enduring global appeal of the Wizarding World.

The Vision: Showrunner and Executive Producer Involvement

The series is creatively led by Francesca Gardiner, who serves as the showrunner. Gardiner’s vision is to utilize the expanded runtime of a television series to explore the narrative nuances and character depths that the eight films had to condense. Her appointment signals a fresh, prestige-television approach to the material, moving the series from its cinematic blockbuster roots into the realm of high-quality, serialized storytelling.

Joining her is acclaimed director Mark Mylod, known for his work on prestige dramas, who is involved in the initial creative direction. Crucially, J.K. Rowling is an executive producer, confirming her direct involvement in shaping the narrative and approving key creative decisions, including the main cast.

Filming, Release Date, and What to Expect

Filming for the series began in mid-July 2025, taking place across various locations in the UK. The first season, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (or Philosopher’s Stone), will consist of eight episodes. The premiere date is currently slated for early 2027 on HBO and the Max streaming service.

One of the most exciting aspects for long-time fans is the confirmation that the series will include elements previously cut from the films. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner has hinted at the inclusion of the mischievous poltergeist Peeves, a fan-favorite entity whose absence in the movies was a major disappointment. This "deep dive" approach ensures that even the most dedicated fans will find new details and rich context in the adaptation.

The Great Dark Lord Speculation: Who Will Play Voldemort?

While the main cast is set, one of the most significant roles remains officially unannounced: Lord Voldemort. The casting for the Dark Lord is a matter of intense speculation across the fan community and industry. Rumors have circulated that producers are auditioning a wide range of actors, with whispers centering on high-profile names.

Well-known contenders mentioned in the rumor mill include Matthew Macfadyen and Matt Smith. The decision for Voldemort's actor is pivotal, as the role requires an actor who can portray both the fragmented, monstrous side of the Dark Lord and the charismatic, manipulative Tom Riddle. The eventual announcement of who will play the antagonist is expected to be the final, massive piece of casting news before the series' promotional campaign fully kicks off.

With a seven-season commitment, a prestigious creative team, and a confirmed cast of new and established talent, the Harry Potter Max series is poised to become the definitive on-screen adaptation of the Wizarding World. The 2027 premiere date can’t come soon enough for fans eager to see Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout take flight on their broomsticks.