HBO Adds 9 New Cast Members to Harry Potter Series, Including Draco Malfoy and the Dursleys
HBO’s Harry Potter series welcomes nine new actors, staying true to the books with age-accurate Dursleys, a fresh Draco Malfoy, and more Hogwarts favourites.
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London, June 9: The wizarding world just got a little more crowded—and a lot more exciting. HBO has announced nine fresh faces joining the upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, with casting choices that lean heavily into book-accurate age, tone, and character detail. And with the addition of fan-favourite names like Draco Malfoy and the Dursleys, it’s clear the series is finally stepping into its next chapter.
Younger Dursleys, Classic Malfoys, and New Hogwarts Students
Among the newly announced cast, Lox Pratt steps into the platinum-blond shoes of Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin foil to Harry’s Gryffindor. He’ll be flanked by Johnny Flynn, playing his father, the imperious Lucius Malfoy. That pairing alone has sent fandom forums into overdrive.
But perhaps the most surprising casting decision is the reimagining of Petunia and Vernon Dursley—played here by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby. They look noticeably younger than their original film counterparts, a move that directly mirrors their age in the books, where they’re meant to be in their mid-thirties when Harry first arrives at Privet Drive.
Rounding out the announcement are:
- Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
- Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan
- Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil
- Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown
- Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge
Each casting choice is more than just a name—it’s a clear nod to fans who’ve long wished for an adaptation that holds tighter to J.K. Rowling’s original character outlines.
HBO’s Promise: A Book-Faithful Adaptation
According to a recent statement from HBO, the upcoming show aims to tell the story “faithfully and fully,” giving each of Rowling’s seven books its own dedicated season. That means subplots once glossed over in the films—like Hermione’s S.P.E.W. campaign, or the full backstory of Neville Longbottom—may finally get their due.
The show will be available exclusively on Max, HBO’s streaming platform, and is expected to launch across several countries, including the U.K., Italy, Germany, and Turkey, among others.
And while the project is being marketed as a fresh retelling, HBO has been careful to reassure fans that the original Warner Bros. films remain part of the “core” franchise experience and will continue to be available globally.
Who Else Has Been Cast So Far?
The main trio was introduced earlier this year:
- Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter
- Arabella Stanton steps into Hermione Granger’s shoes
- Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley
Alongside them, an impressive slate of actors has been tapped for key adult roles:
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
- Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
- Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
- Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell
- Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
The casting strategy so far? A mix of established prestige names and emerging talent, with a clear eye toward performances that can hold their own in a longer, character-driven narrative arc.
Showrunners and Creative Direction
The show is being helmed by Francesca Gardiner, whose past work on Succession and His Dark Materials has made her a respected name in high-end television. She’ll serve as showrunner and executive producer, bringing with her a reputation for storytelling that blends nuance with scale.
Mark Mylod, also of Succession fame, has signed on to direct several episodes. Between them, they’re expected to anchor the tone of the show—one that stays true to the books, while digging deeper into character motivations and emotional complexity.
Also on board:
- J.K. Rowling, as executive producer
- David Heyman, who previously produced the Potter films
- Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, from Brontë Film and TV
Reception from Fans: Hopeful, But Watchful
The fandom’s reaction? It’s been largely positive—but not without scrutiny. While many longtime fans are celebrating the more accurate character ages and deeper world-building potential, others remain cautious.
Some are wary about how tone will be handled, particularly as the books grow darker from Prisoner of Azkaban onward. Others are keeping a close eye on how the series will address J.K. Rowling’s public controversies, particularly regarding her views on gender identity.
To that end, HBO has maintained that Rowling’s involvement is limited to the creative direction of the story, and her personal beliefs will not shape the show’s content.
What to Expect Next
Filming is expected to begin later this year, with a projected premiere in 2026. The production will likely be based at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios, the longtime home of the Harry Potter films.
With each new casting reveal, the picture becomes clearer: HBO is betting big on an adaptation that corrects past oversights, leans into the magic of detail, and reintroduces the wizarding world for a new generation of viewers.
For now, the Sorting Hat is just getting started—and so is this story.
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