HBO has filled more key roles in its upcoming television adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, naming the actors who will play Harry's parents and one of his future friend's brothers.
Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn will portray James and Lily Potter, the parents of the young wizard at the center of J.K. Rowling's bestselling books. Their confrontation with the Dark Lord sets in motion the events of the story.
Harry Gilby, known for Tolkien and The Last Kingdom, has also joined the production as Charlie Weasley. The character is the second-eldest son of Arthur Weasley, played by Rafe Spall, and Molly Weasley, played by Katherine Parkinson.
The series is set to arrive on screens Dec. 25. Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu is Severus Snape, and Nick Frost is Rubeus Hagrid.
The supporting cast includes Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley and Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley. Luke Thallon plays Quirinus Quirrell, Warwick Davis plays Filius Flitwick, and Beertie Carvel plays Cornelius Fudge.
Casting has also moved ahead for the previously announced second season, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Game of Thrones star Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart. Bonnie Hill is Ginny Weasley, Lenny Rush is Dobby, Billy Barratt is Tom Riddle, Molly Hewitt-Richards is Moaning Myrtle, and Jasper Ambrose is Colin Creevey.
The official logline for the first season reads: "There is nothing special about Harry Potter, or so his Aunt Petunia tells him. But when a mysterious letter of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, it opens the door to a hidden world of magic, friendship and adventure. Yet behind Hogwarts' enchanted walls lie dark secrets. Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all."
Francesca Gardiner writes the series and serves as an executive producer. Mark Mylod will direct multiple episodes and also executive produce, for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
The executive producers also include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, David Heyman of Heyday Films, Laura Neal, and Jon Brown.
