After months of speculation, HBO has officially revealed some of the key faces for its upcoming Harry Potter television series. Though the spotlight remains on who will play Harry, Ron and Hermione, a handful of major roles have now been confirmed.
Veteran actor John Lithgow will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore. Known for his work in The Crown and 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow adds serious weight to the cast. British actor Paapa Essiedu, who rose to fame with I May Destroy You, is stepping into the role of Severus Snape, one of the franchise’s most layered characters. Although this casting has prompted heated discussion online, many are excited to see a fresh interpretation.
John Lithgow takes on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ rebootGetty Images
Janet McTeer, whose acting credits include Ozark and Albert Nobbs, will play Professor McGonagall. Filling Hagrid’s enormous shoes is Hot Fuzz actor Nick Frost, who brings a mix of warmth and humour to the beloved half-giant role. Meanwhile, Paul Whitehouse, well known for The Fast Show, will appear as Argus Filch. Stage actor Luke Thallon has also joined the cast as Professor Quirrell.
Janet McTeer joins the cast as Professor McGonagall in HBO's ‘Harry Potter’ rebootGetty Images
Filming is set to start this summer, and while an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, the series is expected to arrive in 2026. The roles of the central trio: Harry, Ron and Hermione remain unfilled, with an open call attracting over 30,000 young talents. HBO is aiming to cast newcomers in these roles.
Nick Frost brings warmth and humour to the beloved role of Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ series rebootGetty Images
Behind the scenes, Succession veterans Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod are heading the project as showrunner and executive producer. The team promises a deeper and more complete retelling of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, one that sticks closely to the original text. Rowling, who has been a divisive figure in recent years, will serve as an executive producer.
Paapa Essiedu steps into the shoes of the enigmatic Severus Snape in the ‘Harry Potter’ series rebootGetty Images
This reboot arrives nearly 30 years after the first book was released and 15 years after the final film. With a new format and a longer timeline, HBO hopes to reintroduce the wizarding world to both long-time fans and a new generation. More casting announcements are expected in the coming months.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.