Christmas 2026 just got a whole lot more magical. HBO’s long-awaited Harry Potter series is officially happening — and the Hogwarts faculty lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, consists of eight episodes and is scheduled to premiere on HBO in the United States and globally on HBO Max on December 25, 2026. Here’s every professor confirmed to walk the halls of Hogwarts. Wikipedia
Table of Contents
Harry Potter Series
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Show | Harry Potter (HBO Series) |
| Season 1 Title | Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone |
| Premiere Date | December 25, 2026 |
| Platform | HBO & HBO Max |
| Showrunner | Francesca Gardiner |
| Director | Mark Mylod |
| Episodes (Season 1) | 8 |
| Planned Seasons | 7 (one per book, through 2037) |
| Score | Hans Zimmer |
The Hogwarts Faculty — Every Confirmed Professor
1. Albus Dumbledore — John Lithgow
John Lithgow steps into the role of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts and the greatest wizard of the modern era. Lithgow has won six Primetime Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Tony Awards, with nominations for two Oscars — making him one of the most decorated actors in Hollywood history.
2. Minerva McGonagall — Janet McTeer
The legendary Janet McTeer takes on the role of Professor McGonagall, the stern but fair Head of Gryffindor and Transfiguration teacher. McTeer graduated from RADA and has won a Tony, a Golden Globe, two Oscar nominations, and a Primetime Emmy.
3. Severus Snape — Paapa Essiedu
Paapa Essiedu has been cast as the anti-hero Potions professor Severus Snape, head of Slytherin House — the brooding role originally portrayed by the late Alan Rickman. Essiedu is known for I May Destroy You and The Outrun.
4. Quirinus Quirrell — Luke Thallon
Luke Thallon joins in a recurring role as Quirinus Quirrell, the anxious Defence Against the Dark Arts professor — a role originally played by Ian Hart in the films.
5. Filius Flitwick — Warwick Davis (returning from the films)
Warwick Davis is the first actor from the original Harry Potter films to return for the series, reprising his role as Filius Flitwick, the Charms professor and Head of Ravenclaw House.
6. Pomona Sprout — Sirine Saba
Sirine Saba has been cast as Herbology Professor Pomona Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff House. Rotten Tomatoes
7. Rolanda Hooch — Louise Brealey
Louise Brealey joins as Madam Hooch, the broomstick flying instructor and Quidditch referee at Hogwarts — a role originally played by Zoë Wanamaker. Wikipedia
8. Cuthbert Binns — Richard Durden
Richard Durden has been cast as Professor Cuthbert Binns, the ghost who teaches History of Magic at Hogwarts. Rotten Tomatoes
Key Hogwarts Staff (Not Professors, But Essential)
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost | Groundskeeper & Keeper of Keys |
| Argus Filch | Paul Whitehouse | Hogwarts Caretaker |
| Madam Pomfrey | Bríd Brennan | Hogwarts Hospital Matron |
Nick Frost takes on the beloved role of half-giant groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, while Paul Whitehouse plays the moody caretaker Argus Filch.
The Golden Trio & Key Cast
Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. HBO held auditions for over 32,000 children to find their Harry Potter, with the casting team reviewing 500–1,000 audition tapes per day during the process.
For the full history of the Harry Potter wizarding world and its original cast, visit the Harry Potter Wikipedia page.
For more HBO and streaming news, follow our latest entertainment coverage at Technosports and our HBO release tracker for weekly updates.
The Creative Team Behind It All
The teaser trailer released on March 25, 2026, became the most-viewed trailer in HBO and HBO Max history with 277 million views in the first 48 hours. Hans Zimmer and his music company Bleeding Fingers Music are composing the score, and filming is taking place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England. Wikipedia
HBO has already renewed the series for a second season, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with production on Season 2 set to begin in the fall of 2026. Wikipedia
FAQs
Q: When does HBO’s Harry Potter series premiere?
The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, premieres on Christmas Day — December 25, 2026 — on HBO and HBO Max globally. The Hollywood Reporter
Q: Which original film actor is returning to HBO’s Harry Potter?
Warwick Davis is the only actor from the original film series to return, reprising his role as Professor Filius Flitwick, the Charms teacher he played across all eight films.
