HBO Casting: Halloween Announcement Adds Ghosts and Sorting Hat

HBO released a batch of new casting announcements on Thursday.

The network added five performers to the season 1 lineup of its upcoming Harry Potter adaptation.

Leo Bill will portray Nearly Headless Nick, a ghost who resides at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Andrew Brooke is set to play the Bloody Baron, while Daniel Fearn will take on the role of the Fat Friar.

Laura Smyth will play the Fat Lady, whose portrait grants entry to Gryffindor students who provide the correct password.

David Threlfall will provide the voice for the Sorting Hat, the magical item that assigns new students to their respective houses.

The series is described as a faithful adaptation of the books written by J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer.

Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, with Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.

The first season, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is scheduled to debut on HBO and HBO Max on December 25, 2026.

The network renewed the show for a second season on May 6, 2026, a decision made months before the first episode airs.

An Instagram post accompanying the announcement included the caption: “Who haunts these halls?”