[Source: AP]

The highly anticipated HBO reboot of ‘Harry Potter’ is gaining momentum with a newly announced slate of cast members taking on some of the franchise’s most iconic roles.

While the casting of Harry, Ron, and Hermione is still under wraps, several major characters have now been finalized, bringing fresh faces and acclaimed talent to the Wizarding World.

Veteran actor John Lithgow will step into the role of Albus Dumbledore, the wise and complex headmaster of Hogwarts. Paapa Essiedu, known for his compelling performances in television and theatre, has been cast as Severus Snape, a character whose layered arc remains one of the most talked-about in the series. Janet McTeer will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, taking over the mantle of the strict yet compassionate Transfiguration professor.

Comedian and actor Nick Frost will bring his own charm to the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the lovable half-giant and Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Luke Thallon has been cast as the timid yet pivotal Professor Quirinus Quirrell, while Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker of the school.

The series will be helmed by Francesca Gardiner as the showrunner, best known for her work on Succession and His Dark Materials. Mark Mylod, who has received critical acclaim for directing episodes of Succession and Game of Thrones, is attached as the executive producer and director.

Reactions to the casting and the reboot itself have been mixed. While some fans are optimistic that the extended series format will allow for a more faithful and detailed adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, others are sceptical about remaking a film franchise that remains iconic to this day. Social media has been abuzz with debates, with many expressing both excitement and concern about how the new series will handle the source material and legacy of the original movies.

Despite the divided opinions, anticipation is high as audiences await the announcement of the central trio- Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

These castings are expected to be revealed in the coming months and will likely shape public perception of the series even further. The HBO series is set to begin production later this year, with a tentative release window expected in 2026.

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