Warner Bros. and HBO have officially unveiled the first six actors who will portray iconic Hogwarts professors in the eagerly anticipated Harry Potter television series. Following months of speculation and fan theories, the casting announcements promise fresh interpretations of beloved characters from the Wizarding World.

Leading the cast is John Lithgow, known for his roles in "Conclave" and "Dexter," who will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore. Lithgow previously hinted at his involvement, expressing the weight of the role in an interview with ScreenRant earlier this year. "I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and 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. "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."

Joining Lithgow are Nick Frost of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" fame, who will bring Rubeus Hagrid to life, and Paapa Essiedu, acclaimed for his roles in "I May Destroy You" and "Black Mirror," set to play Severus Snape. Rounding out the ensemble are Janet McTeer ("Me Before You," "The Menu") as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon ("The Favourite," "Present Laughter") as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse ("The Fast Show," "Alice Through the Looking Glass") as Argus Filch.

Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, along with director and executive producer Mark Mylod, expressed their excitement about the cast. "We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life," they stated.

The characters of Dumbledore, Hagrid, and Snape are not only central to the Harry Potter universe but are also iconic figures in pop culture. Each actor steps into roles that have been defined by previous portrayals, setting the stage for a highly anticipated series.

While the Harry Potter series does not yet have a confirmed release date, it is expected to start filming soon. Details on how the series will diverge from the original novels by J.K. Rowling—who is involved in the show's development—or the film adaptations remain under wraps. However, Warner Bros. has indicated that the series will explore Harry's story "a little bit more in depth than you can in just a two-hour film."

For those eager for more information, you can check out our latest update on casting for Harry, Hermione, and Ron.