The upcoming HBO Max "Harry Potter" series is steadily building its cast, with recent announcements revealing the actors who will portray some of the most beloved and, in some cases, reviled families in the wizarding world: the Malfoys, the Weasleys, and the Dursleys. These casting choices, revealed in early June 2025, offer a glimpse into the direction the series is taking as it promises a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's original novels.
The Weasley family, known for their warmth, loyalty, and fiery red hair, will be brought to life with Katherine Parkinson ("The IT Crowd," "Rivals") stepping into the role of Molly Weasley. As the matriarch of the Weasley clan, Molly is a strong and loving figure, fiercely protective of her children and a mother figure to Harry Potter himself. Parkinson's BAFTA-winning talent promises to bring depth and nuance to this iconic character, capturing both her nurturing spirit and her formidable strength.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Malfoys represent the pure-blood elitism and dark undercurrents of the wizarding world. Lox Pratt has been cast as Draco Malfoy, the cunning and often cruel Slytherin student who serves as Harry's rival. Johnny Flynn ("The Outfit," "Stardust") will play his father, Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater and staunch believer in pure-blood supremacy. These casting choices suggest that the series will delve into the complex dynamic between Draco and Lucius, exploring the pressures and expectations placed upon Draco as he navigates his family's legacy.
Completing the trio of families are the Dursleys, Harry Potter's Muggle relatives who provide a stark contrast to the magical world. Bel Powley ("A Small Light," "White Boy Rick") will portray Petunia Dursley, Harry's resentful aunt, while Daniel Rigby ("Flowers," "Eric & Ernie") will play Vernon Dursley, her overbearing and prejudiced husband. The Dursleys' role is crucial in establishing Harry's difficult upbringing and the stark difference between the ordinary world and the magical one he is destined to join.
These actors join a growing ensemble cast that includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The series has also cast John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Bertie Carvel will be portraying Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.
Francesca Gardiner serves as the showrunner and executive producer, with Mark Mylod executive producing and directing multiple episodes. J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films also executive produce the series. Filming is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England, the same location where the original films were shot.
The "Harry Potter" series is slated to premiere on HBO Max in 2027, with each season dedicated to one of the seven books in the series. This format allows for a more in-depth exploration of the characters, storylines, and magical lore than was possible in the original film adaptations. The series aims to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling's books, bringing the beloved story to a new generation of viewers while also offering fresh perspectives and deeper insights for longtime fans.
