Nick Frost and Paapa Essiedu OFFICIALLY join John Lithgow in upcoming Harry Potter TV series |

Nick Frost and Paapa Essiedu are officially on board to star alongside John Lithgow in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
Nick Frost will play the half-giant Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, while Paapa Essiedu takes on the role of Potions Professor Severus Snape in HBO’s new Harry Potter series.
The actors will join Emmy winner and Oscar nominee John Lithgow, who plays Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Tony-winning actress Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall.
HBO also revealed two guest cast members on Monday: Luke Thallon will play teacher Quirinus Quirrell, and comedian Paul Whitehouse will appear as caretaker Argus Filch.
The key roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger are still to be announced.
In a new statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod said, “We’re thrilled to have such amazing talent join us and are excited to see them breathe new life into these much-loved characters.”
According to a press release, the new series will closely follow J.K. Rowling’s original book series and aims to introduce the magical story to a whole new generation of fans.
Lithgow, 79, had earlier confirmed in an interview with ScreenRant that he had accepted the role of Dumbledore.
In February, Lithgow revealed that taking on the role of Dumbledore came as a complete surprise while he was attending the Sundance Film Festival. He admitted it wasn’t an easy decision, as he felt the role might come to define the final chapter of his acting career.
Lithgow expressed his excitement, saying that it’s thrilling to see so many talented people revisiting the Harry Potter universe. Despite the challenge of the decision, he added that he would be around 87 years old at the wrap party, but he was still eager to take on the role.
The series, which is executive produced by J.K. Rowling, has yet to announce a release date.