The upcoming Harry Potter television series on HBO Max has added several key characters to its cast, including Harry Potter's parents and Charlie Weasley.
Jasper Talbot has been cast as Harry's father James Potter, while Hannah Chinn will play Harry's mother Lily in the new adaptation of JK Rowling's novels.
Parents' Role in Backstory
Although the couple die before the events of the main story, tracking down the dark figure behind their murder is central to the series' backstory. Lily sacrifices herself to protect her infant son, Harry, in an act of love that leaves him with his famous lightning-shaped scar and sets the events of the books in motion.
Both characters appeared in the original Harry Potter films, including flashbacks, although it is unclear how much screen time they will receive in the new series.
Charlie Weasley's On-Screen Debut
The latest casting announcement also confirms Charlie Weasley will finally make his on-screen debut, with Harry Gilby taking on the role.
The second eldest son of Molly and Arthur Weasley, Charlie is a former Hogwarts student who works with dragons in Romania. While he is mentioned throughout Rowling's novels, he never appeared in the original film adaptations.
Charlie is the older brother of Ron Weasley, one of Harry's closest friends and a central character in the story.
Cast and Release Plans
HBO Max announced the new additions on Instagram on Monday, sharing a post with the caption: "The magical family is growing."
The television adaptation aims to offer a faithful retelling of Rowling's books while exploring more of the wizarding world than was possible in the original film franchise, which ran from 2001 to 2011.
The three young leads have already been confirmed, with Dominic McLaughlin playing Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
The wider cast includes Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and US actor John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The first season is set to launch this Christmas and will adapt Rowling's debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
