Paul Whitehouse will play Argus Filch in the new Harry Potter TV series - but who is the actor?

HBO has announced the first round of casting for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series with the likes of  John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu.

The new series will be based on J.K. Rowling's books, which were initially turned into a worldwide hit film franchise starring the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

The new HBO show is set to be more 'book-driven', with each series telling the story of one year at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter stars - where are they now?

Harry Potter TV series cast

The first six cast members for the Harry Potter TV series, announced by HBO, are:

  • Nick Frost as Hagrid
  • John Lithgow as Dumbledore
  • Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
  • Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
  • Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
  • Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

Who is Paul Whitehouse?

Welsh actor Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Argus Filch in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, taking over from David Bradley, who played the character in the films.

Whitehouse, 66, hails from Stanleytown in Rhondda (south Wales) and has three daughters - Molly, Sophie and Lauren.

He is best known for his part in the BBC comedy sketch show The Fast Show.

It was so popular that Whitehouse used to write an article for The Times in character as Ron Manager from the show, according to IMDb.

He is also known for various film roles, including in The Death of Stalin (2017) and Corpse Bride (2005).

Whitehouse has also recently played the role of Grandad in Only Fools and Horses The Musical.

Paul Whitehouse has appeared in several movies and TV series including The Fast Show, The Death of Stalin and Corpse Bride.Paul Whitehouse has appeared in several movies and TV series including The Fast Show, The Death of Stalin and Corpse Bride. (Image: PA)

What movies/TV shows has Paul Whitehouse been in?

Paul Whitehouse is known for various film and TV roles, including:

  • The Fast Show
  • The Death of Stalin
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Alice Through the Looking Glass
  • Finding Neverland
  • Corpse Bride
  • King of Thieves
  • Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing
  • Mordecai
  • Dodger

You can see the full list of movies and TV shows Whitehouse has featured in on the IMDb website.

Sir Cadogan in the Harry Potter movies

Whitehouse is no stranger to the world of Harry Potter, having already featured in one of the movies.

He played the role of Sir Cadogan in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

In a deleted scene from the movie (which can be seen in the clip above) Sir Cadogan, played by Whitehouse, is seen guarding the entrance to the Gryffindor common room (in a painting).

He has taken over the post vacated by the Fat Lady, who was attacked by Sirius Black.

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IMDb added: "Most of his scenes in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) were deleted.

"In the theatrical cut of the film, he can be glimpsed briefly in the background."

When will the Harry Potter TV series come out?

The new Harry Potter TV series is expected to debut on Max and HBO and Warner Bros Discovery streaming services in 2026.