John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu too

Paul Whitehouse is to play Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch in the new TV adaption of  JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books, it has been announced.

Broadcaster HBO has also revealed that Nick Frost will play gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid –  the role made famous by Robbie Coltrane in the film franchise.

John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu will be Severus Snape, Janet McTeer will be Minerva McGonagall and Luke Thallon will be Quirinus Quirrell.

Whitehouse takes over from David Bradley, who played  the caretaker who wandered the school corridors  trying to catch students breaking the rules, on the big screen.

The series is expected to debut next year and is designed to run for more than a decade.

In a statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director and executive producer Mark Mylod, who was also an exec on Succession, said: ‘We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.’ 

The casting for the main characters – Harry, Hermione and Ron – is yet to be announced.

Published: 14 Apr 2025