The new adaptation of Harry Potter is coming together with plenty of exciting developments. The HBO Harry Potter series will dive back into J.K. Rowling's beloved books, using the television format to retell all seven books in the series. The series promises to differ from the Harry Potter movies, but there will also be some things fans will recognize.
The most recent casting announcement via TVLine for the series reveals that one of the actors from the movie franchise will be reprising their role in the show. Warwick Davis has joined the series as Filius Flitwick, the Charms Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which he played in all eight Harry Potter movies.
Davis marks the first actor from the Harry Potter movies to join the cast in the same role. Flitwick is also not the only character Davis played in the movies, as he also appeared as Griphook, the goblin banker. However, it was also announced alongside Davis' casting that Leigh Gill will be taking over the role of Griphook.
Davis is no stranger to big franchises, as he has also appeared in various roles in the Star Wars universe, beginning with the Ewok named Wicket in Return of the Jedi. Davis is also known for playing the title character in the fantasy movie Willow and playing a heightened version of himself in the British sitcom Life's Too Short.
The Harry Potter show will have new actors in the iconic roles
The character of Harry Potter may have started on the pages of a novel, but many fans have a hard time not picturing Daniel Radcliffe when thinking of the character. The same goes for Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. Along with the rest of the ensemble, the movie actors helped bring these characters to life. Recasting the roles is one of the most daunting things the HBO series will have to do.
Many of the major roles have already been cast, including the trio of young heroes who will lead these new adventures in the Wizarding World. The series already announced newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione. There are also some more established actors taking on the famous characters.
Oscar-nominated actor John Lithgow (Conclave) will play Albus Dumbledore, taking over the role from Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) will play Rubeus Hagrid, following in the footsteps of Robbie Coltrane. Meanwhile, Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London) will be the new Severus Snape, after Alan Rickman played him so memorably in the movies.
Certainly, having fans accept new actors playing these beloved Harry Potter characters is not going to be easy for the show. Warwick Davis' return might even serve to remind viewers of the other actors from the movies who are not returning. But just like the recasting of James Bond, a new actor just needs the opportunity to prove themselves in the role, and they can win over any fan.