J.K. Rowling's world of wizards returns to small screens – this time in the form of an ambitious HBO series, which is to render books more faithfully than 2001-2011 films. Production, scheduled for launch in 2026, is already emotional, especially by the announced casting. The promotional video (generated by artificial intelligence), which surrounded the network, shows a symbolic "transfer of baton" from original actors to new faces. Although most of the election seems to have been hit, Severus Snape's role – cast by the black Papapa Essiedu – has sparked controversy among fans, dividing fandoms into those who praise diversity, and those who fear changes in the canon. Let us take a closer look at how new actors face icons from the Philosopher's Stone.
The HBO series is to be a ten-section adaptation of each book, with emphasis on deeper threads and fidelity to the original. Casting focuses on a mix of veterans and young talent, as seen in the election for key characters. Here is a comparison in table form, based on announced roles and community reactions:
| Character | Original actor (videos Warner Bros.) | New actor (serial HBO) | Comparison and comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter | Daniel Radcliffe | Dominic McLaughlin | Radcliffe created an archetype of a shy, brave boy with a scar. McLaughlin, a young debutante, brings freshness, but must prove charisma in the fight against destiny. Fans praise the physical resemblance. |
| Hermione Granger | Emma Watson | Arabella Stanton | Watson was a model of intelligence and loyalty. Stanton, known for his theatrical roles, can add more book feisty – without smoothing the hairstyle like in films. Perfect match for canon fans. |
| Ron Weasley | Rupert Grint | Alastair Floyd | Grint embodies the humor and loyalty of a friend. Floyd, with experience in youth comedy, promises more redheaded charm and family dynamics of the Weasleys. A solid choice without controversy. |
| Draco Malfoy | Tom Felton | Leo Pratt | Felton made Malfoy an iconic antagonist with depth. Pratt, a young actor from British television series, has a chance at a more nuanced portrait of arrogance and internal conflicts. Fans see potential. |
| Ginny Weasley | Bonnie Wright | Grace Cochrane | Wright grew up with a role, but in Ginny's films she was secondary. Cochrane can develop her character as a strong witch from the beginning – consistent with books. Great casting for romance lovers. |
| Albus Dumbledore | Richard Harris / Michael Gambon | John Lithgow | Gambon (after Harris) added eccentricity. Lithgow, known from "The Crown", brings wisdom and humour – ideal for an enigmatic director. No major objections. |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Robbie Coltrane | Nick Frost | Coltrane was a warm giant with a heart. Frost, a comedian from "Shaun of the Dead", promises a mix of humor and loyalty – physically fits, and fans enjoy his interpretation. |
| Minerva McGonagall | Maggie Smith | Janet McTeer | Smith was a strict but fair mentor. McTeer, with roles in "The White Queen", will add elegance and strength – a perfect choice for transmutation and discipline. |
| Severus Snape | Alan Rickman | Paapa Essiedu | Rickman created an unforgettable, dark anti-hero with tragic depth. Essiedu, star of "I May Destroy You", brings new energy, but a change of race sparks discussions: some praise diversity, others fear the impact on the Lily Potter theme. It's the most dividing part of the casting. |
| Professor Quirrell | Ian Hart | Luke Tallon | Hart was a surprising villa. Thallon, a theatrical actor, can deepen the duality of the role – a good, underestimated choice. |
| Madam Hooch | Zoe Wanamaker | Louisa Brooke | Wanamaker taught quidditch. Brooke will add dynamics to flying lessons – solid, without fireworks. |
| Madam Pomfrey | Gemma Jones | Stella Gonet | Jones was a caring healer. Gonet, with experience in drama, will maintain empathy – fits perfectly. |
The video, which became viral on X (formerly Twitter), shows these transitions with visual effects and nostalgic music, highlighting the continuity of the magical universe. However, backlash around Snape dominates the discussions: fans argue that race change destroys the subtleties of the plot, e.g. James Potter's bulllying against Snape, which could now be read racially. Others, as in the article BuzzFeed, see this as a step towards greater inclusiveness, recalling that books do not define Snape’s race. J.K. Rowling, executive producer, defends choice, stressing that Essiedu will not be released despite controversy surrounding his views.
Will the new cast pierce the original? Time will tell, but HBO puts on a fresh look, which can attract a new generation of muggles. Production has started in the UK, and fans are already speculating about further announcements. One thing is certain: Hogwarts have never been so diverse.
