HBO this week confirmed that a number of big name stars will appear in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Janet McTeer, John Lithgow, Nick Frost and Paapa Essiedu are among the big names set to play some of the leading characters in the JK Rowling-created project.

HBO has officially confirmed the first cast members for the “Harry Potter” TV series.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project and The Capture star Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape in the series. Alan Rickman famously played the role in the films. Additionally, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of caretaker Argus Filch.