Harry Potter series confirms former star will make Hogwarts comeback in new role (2025)

Harry Potter fans have been waiting 14 years for more magical content and it seems the wait has been worth it as the new HBO original series has just confirmed more huge stars for the casting - and one of them has already previously starred in the movies.

It's been a whopping 14 years since the last Harry Potter film hit the big screen, leaving fans across the globe eagerly awaiting fresh wizarding world content. Now, Potterheads can rejoice as the cast for the highly anticipated Harry Potter series has been unveiled, boasting an array of award-winning talent.

Among the latest confirmed additions to the HBO original Harry Potter series is none other than five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse, who will be stepping into the shoes of Argus Filch. As per the Harry Potter fandom wiki page, Argus Filch was a Squib and the long-standing caretaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from around 1973.

In the beloved franchise, Argus is often seen patrolling the school corridors with his cat Mrs Norris, on the hunt for rule-breaking students and frequently grumbling about Peeves the Poltergeist - a ghost who only features in the books.

The character was originally brought to life by actor David Bradley in the Harry Potter films.

Now, it's Welsh actor Paul Whitehouse who will be taking on this iconic role - and it's not his first time starring in Harry Potter.

The actor previously played the role of the portrait character, Sir Cadogan in the third film of the franchise, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

However, Whitehouse is best known for his work on the BBC sketch comedy series The Fast Show and his collaborations with Harry Enfield on the shows Harry and Paul and Harry Enfield and Chums.

Also joining the star-studded line-up is Present Laughter and A Room with a View actor Luke Thallon. He's set to portray Quirinus Quirrell, the meek Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who is secretly teaming up with Voldemort.

Quirinus Quirrell made his first appearance in 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where he was played by actor Ian Hart.

Harry Potter enthusiasts are in for a magical treat as John Lithgow will enchant viewers in the role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO series.

The prestigious lineup for the new show, with scriptwriting and production handled by Francesca Gardiner, will include Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu assuming the mantle of Severus Snape.

Meanwhile, Nick Frost will take on the role of lovable giant Rubeus Hagrid, with the trio all set to be series regulars.

Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner released a statement to confirm the cast, alongside Mark Mylod, who will direct various episodes and also executive produce.

It read: "We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch."

Their statement continued with evident excitement: "We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life."

The series promises to be a true rendition of J. K. Rowling's globally adored Harry Potter books, with Rowling herself participating as an executive producer.

HBO Max will be the exclusive home for streaming this highly anticipated adaptation, reaching audiences worldwide, including soon-to-be-serviced regions like Turkey, the UK, Germany, and Italy.

Loyal fans of the original movies need not worry, as these classic cinematic gems will continue to be accessible globally.