The highly anticipated casting lineup for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series has generated substantial buzz, with notable actors like Mark Strong, known for his role in The Penguin, and Brett Goldstein, famed for his performance in Ted Lasso, rumored to be in consideration for key roles.

As the casting process unfolds for HBO’s Harry Potter TV series, excitement grows around the potential inclusion of Mark Strong as Albus Dumbledore. Previously, Mark Rylance, celebrated for his role in Bridge of Spies, was rumored to be the frontrunner for this iconic character. However, the addition of Strong to the mix has sparked even more interest. Furthermore, Brett Goldstein is speculated to be in line to portray Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper originally brought to life by the late Robbie Coltrane in the films, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the series.

In addition to these exciting casting possibilities, the rumor mill suggests that Sharon Horgan, known for her work in Bad Sisters, could be considered for the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a character famously portrayed by the late Maggie Smith. Furthermore, the talented Rachel Weisz, recognized for her performance in Black Widow, is also rumored to be on the casting wish list. Moreover, Paapa Essiedu, acclaimed for his role in I May Destroy You, is reportedly being eyed for the pivotal role of Professor Severus Snape, adding to the excitement surrounding the series’ casting choices.

As is common with high-profile productions, HBO has refrained from confirming or denying these casting rumors. A spokesperson for the network stated, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.” This statement has only fueled the speculation and excitement among fans of the Harry Potter franchise, who eagerly await more concrete updates.

The casting process for the three central young characters is actively progressing. An open call has been issued for children residing in the U.K. and Ireland, specifically those who will be aged between 9 and 11 years old by April 2025. These young actors will portray the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Reports indicate that an impressive number, exceeding 32,000 children, have auditioned for these coveted roles. Furthermore, Succession writer Francesca Gardiner has been appointed as the series’ writer and showrunner, while Mark Mylod will serve as an executive producer and direct several episodes. Initially developed for Max, the project transitioned to HBO in June, along with a variety of other Max shows.

Each season of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series is planned to adapt one of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels, culminating in a total of seven seasons. While the original films managed to convey a great deal of content, many significant moments from the books were omitted. The TV series aims to rectify this by bringing these scenes to life. Last year, the studio released a statement asserting, “Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.” Production is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2025, marking an exciting step forward for the series.