Every Hogwarts Professor Confirmed for HBO’s Harry Potter Series

The upcoming HBO series Harry Potter, which is slated to premiere on Christmas Day 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious TV projects ever made—and it was already renewed for Season 2. Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials) serves as showrunner, while Mark Mylod (Succession, Shameless, The Menu) is set to direct multiple episodes. Whether you support this venture or not, there’s no denying that the production went all out with its vision, particularly in terms of casting.

In addition to the regular professors at the school, several key characters have been announced, with Nick Frost as the beloved half-giant groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, the moody Hogwarts caretaker standing out. They aren’t professors, but they are an important part of the Hogwarts faculty; Svetlana Karabut‘s rumored casting as Professor Septima Vector, the Arithmancy teacher, has yet to be confirmed, but for now, here is every Hogwarts professor confirmed for HBO’s Harry Potter series.

Albus Dumbledore

Played by John Lithgow

Image via HBO

Every fan of the Harry Potter universe already knows the headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. He’s widely regarded as the greatest wizard of the modern era and in the books, he becomes Harry Potter’s mentor, guiding him through the dangers of the wizarding world while keeping secrets about his own past. He is renowned for his wisdom, offbeat sense of humor, and formidable magical abilities. In the films, he was portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, while his younger version was portrayed by Jude Law, showing Dumbledore’s history in the Fantastic Beasts trilogy.

In the Harry Potter series, the acclaimed actor John Lithgow will step into the role of Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow has won six Primetime Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Tony Awards, with nominations for two Oscars, a BAFTA, four Grammys, and four SAG Awards. As an almost EGOT holder, Lithgow is widely known for his iconic roles as Dick Solomon on the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun and as the chilling Trinity Killer in the prestige drama Dexter. Lithgow is an incredible choice for Dumbledore, but he’s also the first American actor to portray the character; he’s got great shoes to fill.

Minerva McGonagall

Played by Janet McTeer

Image via HBO

The Professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts and the stern but fair Head of Gryffindor House, Minerva McGonagall, is an Animagus who can transform into a cat and serves as Deputy Headmistress to Albus Dumbledore. In the Harry Potter movie series, Professor McGonagall is portrayed by the indomitable Maggie Smith, and the character even appears in the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, where she’s played by the Irish actress Fiona Glascott. McGonagall is one of the few professors who are respected by both students and colleagues, and she plays an important role in Harry Potter’s safety throughout his time at Hogwarts.

The HBO Harry Potter series will see the legendary Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall. McTeer graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and has won numerous awards, including a Tony and a Golden Globe, as well as two Oscar nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award. She received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008 for her contributions to drama; fans might have seen her in the film Tumbleweeds and iconic series like Ozark and Jessica Jones. McTeer’s impressive height lends a commanding presence to her portrayal of the authoritative Transfiguration professor that everyone respects and fears around school.

Severus Snape

Played by Paapa Essiedu

Image via HBO

Severus Snape, the Professor of Potions at Hogwarts and Head of Slytherin House, is a complex and mysterious figure; he holds a deep grudge against Harry Potter because of his previous relationship with Harry’s parents, James and Lily. Snape’s loyalties remain ambiguous throughout the films, making him one of the most intriguing characters in the Harry Potter universe; however, Snape is finally proven to be a protective and redeemable figure, and many fans have grown to love him. Many fans find it difficult to imagine Severus Snape portrayed by anyone other than Alan Rickman, who gave him his signature style and appearance.

Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape in the Harry Potter TV series, and his casting has been the source of much debate thus far. However, Essiedu is not only a well-known British actor with numerous award nominations; he’s a classically trained actor and in 2016, he became the first Black actor to play Hamlet in a major Royal Shakespeare Company production, earning prestigious theater nominations. He is best known for his breakout performance as Kwame in Michaela Coel‘s game-changing series, I May Destroy You, and his lead role in the thriller series The Lazarus Project. It’s understandable that parts of the story don’t lend themselves to Essiedu’s casting as Snape, but this actor is so versatile and talented that he will undoubtedly be one of the best parts of the Harry Potter TV series.

Filius Flitwick

Played by Warwick Davis

Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw House and Professor of Charms at Hogwarts, is a half-goblin wizard with exceptional magical abilities, particularly in the area of charms. Despite his diminutive stature, he is a formidable duelist and a popular professor who directs the Hogwarts Choir and the annual Frog Choir. Warwick Davis plays him in the Harry Potter film series, and he returns for the TV series adaptation.

Davis is a popular actor and television presenter. He began his career at the age of 11 when George Lucas personally cast him as Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Aside from Star Wars, Davis is best known for his roles as Professor Filius Flitwick in the Harry Potter movie series and the title character in the classic fantasy film Willow. In 2025, he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the British Academy, and in 2026, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to drama and charity. Davis is one of the highest-grossing supporting actors of all time, having appeared in two of the most successful film franchises in history, and it will be great to see him return to the Harry Potter universe.

Pomona Sprout

Played by Sirine Saba

Image via BBC

Pomona Sprout, the Herbology Professor and Hufflepuff House Head at Hogwarts, is a kind-hearted and earthy witch who oversees the greenhouses and teaches students about the magical properties of plants. She is fiercely loyal to her students and plays an important role in Hogwarts’ defense, particularly during the final battle of the Harry Potter film series. Miriam Margolyes played Professor Sprout in the film series, and she is a beloved member of the cast, despite once advising devoted adult fans of the story to “grow up.”

Sirine Saba, a British actress of Lebanese descent, was cast as Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter television series. Saba may not be a household name, but she has built a diverse career in film and television; one of her most notable roles is Patricia Ghraoui in the BBC medical drama Holby City, but she is also best known as a voice actor for the Diablo video games. Saba is a newcomer, so seeing her as the beloved Professor Sprout should be the best way to usher in the new Harry Potter world.

Quirinus Quirrell

Played by Luke Thallon

Image via National Theatre Live

Quirinus Quirrell, the stuttering Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, appears nervous and timid, but his fearful demeanor hides a dark secret: he is possessed by Lord Voldemort’s spirit. His classes play an important role in Harry Potter’s first year at Hogwarts, as the truth about his sinister master is eventually revealed. Quirrell was an integral part of the film series’ first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and his casting suggests that the show will follow the events of the first novel—unless something drastically changes. Ian Hart played Professor Quirrell in the film, and his replacement has big shoes to fill.

Luke Thallon, the youngest member of the professors’ cast, is a rising star in British theater. While still enrolled at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he received prestigious awards from the National Theatre and the Society of London Theatre; in 2022, he was named one of the top twenty-five future theater makers. With only one uncredited film role and no television roles to date, Luke Thallon is unquestionably a cast member who will represent this new era of Harry Potter.

Cuthbert Binns

Played by Richard Durden

Image via Focus Features

Cuthbert Binns, Hogwarts’ ghost professor of Magical History, is so dedicated to teaching that even after his death, he stood up and continued lecturing, seemingly unaware that he is now a ghost. His classes are notoriously dull, but they contain valuable information about wizarding history, such as the Chamber of Secrets legend. Binns has not appeared in the films, so he is one of the few novel characters who will be brought to life by actor Richard Durden in the Harry Potter television series.

Durden, born Mark Richard Durden-Smith, is an English actor who has appeared on television, in films, and on stage. He began his career in the 1960s and has starred in an impressive body of work over the past six decades, having appeared in several acclaimed productions, including the BAFTA-winning historical thriller Wolf Hall; he’s also appeared in the hit BBC comedy Ghosts and the cozy murder mystery series Agatha Raisin. Durden seems like an excellent casting choice for the ghost professor Binns, and we’re excited to see his portrayal.

Madam Rolanda Hooch

Played by Louise Brealey

Image via BBC

Madam Rolanda Hooch, the flying instructor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has piercing yellow eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. She teaches first-year students how to fly broomsticks and officiates Quidditch matches. She is known for her strict yet fair approach, and she takes safety very seriously. In the film series, Zoë Wanamaker plays Madam Hooch, the strict and playful flying instructor from the novel.

Louise Brealey, a successful actress, writer, and journalist, will play Madame Hooch in the television series. She is a versatile performer who has received critical acclaim in a variety of fields; she is best known for her role as Molly Hooper in the BBC‘s critically acclaimed series Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch. She has also appeared in television shows such as A Discovery of Witches and films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Prior to becoming an actress, Brealey was a successful journalist, critic, and playwright whose works received successful premieres. Brealey is extremely likable, and her presence in the Harry Potter universe will leave us wondering, “Why hasn’t Brealey starred in this before?”

Harry Potter

Release Date

2026 – 2026

Showrunner

Francisca Gardiner

Directors

Mark Mylod

Writers

Francesca Gardiner