HBO's Harry Potter series casts Harry's parents, Charlie Weasley

HBO announced that Jasper Talbot will play James Potter, Hannah Chinn will play Lily Potter, and Harry Gilby will portray Ron’s brother Charlie Weasley. James and Lily were played by Adrian Rawlins and Geraldine Somerville in the films. Charlie appeared only in a family photo, and the new casting gives him a role on screen.

Series release schedule

The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will premiere on HBO on Christmas Day 2026. HBO had earlier announced a full cast for season 1 and had already renewed the series for a second season in May.

Season 2 will feature Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart, Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, Lenny Rush as Dobby, Billy Barratt as Tom Riddle, Rafe Spall as Arthur Weasley, Molly Hewitt‑Richards as Moaning Myrtle, and Jasper Ambrose as Colin Creevey.

The first season will have eight episodes, giving the show about eight hours to explore a single book. That extra time lets the series bring in characters like Charlie Weasley, who were cut from the films.

Other principal cast members include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.