HBO’s Harry Potter Series Adds Cornelius Fudge and the Dursleys to Its Growing Cast
The much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot from HBO is steadily expanding its magical roster, with recent casting announcements adding to the excitement of fans worldwide. Among the newest names joining the spellbinding ensemble are seasoned British actors Bertie Carvel, Bel Powley, and Daniel Rigby. They will portray Cornelius Fudge and the notorious Dursley couple—Petunia and Vernon—in the upcoming television adaptation.
As Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO commit to reimagining J.K. Rowling’s legendary Harry Potter book series for a modern television audience, casting updates have become a major source of speculation and buzz. With each new reveal, the world of Hogwarts comes closer to a new generation of fans—and a fresh retelling for those who grew up with the original films and novels.
Bertie Carvel Cast as Cornelius Fudge in HBO’s Harry Potter Series
Known for his compelling portrayal of Tony Blair in The Crown, British actor Bertie Carvel has been tapped to play Cornelius Fudge, the occasionally bumbling and bureaucratic Minister of Magic. In the original movie series, the role was memorably portrayed by the late Robert Hardy, who appeared in four films—starting with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Carvel brings both gravitas and a unique theatrical presence to the role, traits that align well with the political and sometimes morally ambiguous nature of Fudge. His version of the Minister is expected to be a recurring character throughout the series, mirroring the character’s increasing involvement in the wizarding world’s struggle against Voldemort in the original books.
While HBO has not officially confirmed Carvel’s casting, industry reports from Deadline and Variety strongly support the claim. An HBO spokesperson commented, “We understand the excitement surrounding a project of this magnitude. However, casting details will be officially announced once deals are finalized.” Even so, fans are already celebrating what they consider a perfect choice for the Minister’s role.
Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby Join as Petunia and Vernon Dursley
Another major casting update comes with the announcement of Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Petunia and Vernon Dursley, Harry Potter’s less-than-loving aunt and uncle. These two Muggle guardians are known for their mistreatment of Harry during his early childhood, sheltering him in a cupboard under the stairs and concealing his magical heritage.
In the original film series, the Dursleys were portrayed by Fiona Shaw and the late Richard Griffiths. Their chilling, yet occasionally humorous, depiction of Harry’s adoptive family helped establish the emotional tone of the early films. Powley, known for her roles in The Diary of a Teenage Girl and Everything I Know About Love, brings an emotional range that can add complexity to Petunia. Rigby, a comedic actor and BAFTA winner, could offer a similarly multifaceted take on Vernon.
Though no actor has yet been announced for the role of Dudley Dursley, the son of Vernon and Petunia, it is expected that this casting will follow soon, especially as filming gears up for the early chapters of Harry’s story.
A Star-Studded Cast for a Magical Reboot
These latest castings join a growing and diverse ensemble of talent. So far, the confirmed cast includes:
- Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
- Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
- Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
- Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
- Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
- Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall
- Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
- Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy
- Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
- Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan
- Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil
- Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown
With such a dynamic and skilled cast, HBO is clearly investing in both star power and acting range to bring this new adaptation to life.
A Faithful Yet Fresh Adaptation in the Works
According to sources close to the production, HBO plans to adapt one Harry Potter book per season, leading to a total of seven seasons. This longer format offers the opportunity for deeper exploration of characters, story arcs, and world-building—something the films, limited by runtime, couldn’t always achieve.
For example, the moral complexities of Cornelius Fudge, from his initial support of Dumbledore to his eventual denial of Voldemort’s return, can be explored in greater depth. Similarly, the Dursleys’ background—especially Petunia’s envy and resentment stemming from her sister Lily’s magical life—might finally get the nuanced screen time it deserves.
This series is envisioned as a “faithful retelling” of J.K. Rowling’s original novels, according to Warner Bros. executives. However, the goal isn’t to recreate the films scene-for-scene. Instead, it seeks to reintroduce the story with fresh performances, updated production values, and a pace that allows for richer storytelling.
Nick Frost’s Hagrid and the Challenge of Reinterpretation
One of the most talked-about casting choices is Nick Frost stepping into the shoes of Rubeus Hagrid, a character immortalized by the late Robbie Coltrane. Speaking to the press, Frost acknowledged the weight of the role, saying: “I’m never going to try and be Robbie. That would be a disservice to his legacy and to the fans. I’ll bring my own heart to it.”
This comment reflects the broader ethos behind the series: honoring the source material while allowing new actors to make each character their own. This balancing act will be critical for winning over longtime fans and attracting a new generation of viewers.
The 2026 Premiere Target and What Lies Ahead
Currently, HBO is aiming for a 2026 premiere for the new Harry Potter series. Pre-production is underway, and though many casting announcements are still trickling in, the core creative team is reportedly in place. Filming is expected to begin in 2025, aligning with the multi-year rollout strategy Warner Bros. Discovery envisions for the franchise.
This reboot is a major pillar of the studio’s long-term streaming strategy. With the original Harry Potter films still commanding massive viewership, expectations are sky-high for this series to deliver both creatively and commercially.
Reactions from the Potterverse
Fan reaction to the casting announcements has been largely positive. Social media buzzed with excitement when names like Bertie Carvel and Janet McTeer were attached to the project. The consensus among fans is that these choices show a commitment to quality and storytelling, rather than simply leaning on star names.
Some fans remain cautious, however, given the enormous legacy of the original film franchise and the deeply personal connection many feel to the original cast. Nevertheless, there’s growing optimism that this HBO version could offer a more faithful and detailed take on the story that enchanted millions around the globe.
What We Know So Far: HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series Cast List
Here’s a round-up of the confirmed and reported cast for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series:
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Harry Potter | Dominic McLaughlin |
| Ron Weasley | Alastair Stout |
| Hermione Granger | Arabella Stanton |
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow |
| Severus Snape | Paapa Essiedu |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost |
| Professor McGonagall | Janet McTeer |
| Cornelius Fudge | Bertie Carvel (Reported) |
| Petunia Dursley | Bel Powley |
| Vernon Dursley | Daniel Rigby |
| Molly Weasley | Katherine Parkinson |
| Lucius Malfoy | Johnny Flynn |
| Draco Malfoy | Lox Pratt |
| Seamus Finnigan | Leo Earley |
| Parvati Patil | Alessia Leoni |
| Lavender Brown | Sienna Moosah |
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Magic Begins
As the HBO Harry Potter series continues to take shape, each casting reveal adds fuel to the growing anticipation. With a blend of established talent and promising newcomers, the project is poised to become a landmark moment in the legacy of the Wizarding World.
While it’s impossible to satisfy every fan’s vision of these beloved characters, the early signs suggest that HBO is taking a thoughtful and ambitious approach. If the writing, direction, and production quality match the caliber of the cast, we may be looking at a definitive reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s iconic saga.
With a projected release just a year or two away, one thing is clear: magic is once again stirring in the world of television.