The upcoming Harry Potter TV show has added another iconic character to its growing cast. The latest addition will portray one of Hogwarts’ most recognizable ghosts, a role previously played by John Cleese in the original film franchise.
HBO announced through its official Instagram account that Leo Bill will play Nearly Headless Nick in the upcoming series. Bill previously appeared as Big Furry Gremlin in the DCU film Supergirl. The casting brings the Gryffindor house ghost back to the screen, with a new actor taking over the role.
Nearly Headless Nick, also known as Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, is the resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower. His moniker refers to his failed execution, which left his head partially attached to his body.
He often encounters Harry and the other students during their time at Hogwarts. Cleese originally brought the character to life in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Who else has joined the cast of HBO’s Harry Potter TV show?
The series features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
The adult wizarding cast features John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Warwick Davis also returns to the franchise as Professor Filius Flitwick.
Other cast members include Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy and Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom. Katherine Parkinson will play Molly Weasley, while Johnny Flynn takes on the role of Lucius Malfoy. Bel Powley will portray Petunia Dursley, with Daniel Rigby playing Vernon Dursley.
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner serves as head writer and executive producer, with Mark Mylod attached to direct multiple episodes alongside executive producing duties. Franchise creator J.K. Rowling, David Heyman, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts also serve as executive producers. The project is co-produced by Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
HBO’s Harry Potter series will adapt all seven books in J.K. Rowling’s fantasy franchise across multiple seasons. The first season will have eight episodes, with HBO and HBO Max set to premiere it during Christmas 2026.