,type=downsize)
The "Harry Potter" HBO series is edging closer and closer. This week, HBO announced some of the series regulars, who'll play pivotal roles in the first season of the series and throughout its run predicted lengthy run.
Following in the steps of its predecessor, "Harry Potter" will have some of the leading talent in England at its disposal, including Oscar-nominee Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost. These three actors will be playing some of the main roles in the book series: Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and Rubeus Hagrid, respectively.
American actor John Lithgow will be playing Albus Dumbledore and Luke Thallon, a theater actor who recently starred in "Hamlet," will guest star in the role of professor Quirinus Quirrell. The part is a pivotal one in the first book of the franchise. Paul Whitehouse, who's won a BAFTA award, will be playing the part of Hogwarts' caretaker Argus Filch.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life," said series showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod in a joint statement.
Lithgow previously spoke about his decision to play Dumbledore and shared his excitement, even though he acknowledged that taking on such a lengthy project would likely take up most of his time. “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid,” he said in an interview with ScreenRant.
“But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to ‘Harry Potter.’ That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
More details about the 'Harry Potter' TV series
The "Harry Potter" TV series is planned to be a faithful adaptation of the books, having more hours to explore each entry extensively. HBO shared that each book will be adapted into one season, having more time to explore characters that weren't explored in the movie adaptations due to time constraints.
The roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione have yet to be announced. Around 32,000 kids from around the UK and Ireland have reportedly auditioned for the parts. The series will begin to shoot this summer, with season one scheduled to be relased next year, on Max.