Warwick Davis is set to return as Professor Filius Flitwick in HBO’s upcoming adaptation of the Harry Potter series, Warner Bros. announced on Sept. 1. The news was revealed during the annual “Back to Hogwarts” event, which celebrates the start of a new term at the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Davis, 55, is the first actor from the original film franchise confirmed to reprise his role in the new series. He originally played the Hogwarts Charms professor throughout all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. Davis also portrayed the goblin Griphook, though that role has now been recast.
New faces join the cast
HBO revealed six additional cast members. Leigh Gill will step into the role of Griphook. Sirine Saba will play Professor Pomona Sprout, originally portrayed by Miriam Margolyes. Bríd Brennan takes over as school nurse Madam Poppy Pomfrey, while Richard Durden will appear as the ghostly history teacher Professor Cuthbert Binns.
New student roles include Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, a friend of Harry Potter, and Finn Stephens alongside William Nash as Draco Malfoy’s sidekicks, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle.
Filming begins, hints at new direction
Filming began in July, with early production scenes spotted on the streets of London in August. Dominic McLaughlin, cast as Harry Potter, was seen in costume with Nick Frost, who plays Rubeus Hagrid. McLaughlin wore the character’s familiar round glasses, while Frost appeared in Hagrid’s recognizable khaki coat.
Speaking to Collider in June, Frost said he would not attempt to mimic Robbie Coltrane’s portrayal of Hagrid from the original films. Instead, he hopes to bring his own interpretation to the role—describing his version as humorous, protective, and childlike, while staying respectful to the original material.
Expanded cast and series timeline
The series will also feature John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley.
The new Harry Potter series is expected to premiere on HBO in 2027. It will serve as a fresh adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, with each season believed to cover a single book in greater depth than the original films.
