Peter Serafinowicz Cast as Peeves in HBO Harry Potter

The upcoming HBO television adaptation of the Harry Potter series has cast British actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz as Peeves the Poltergeist, marking the character's first live-action appearance. The announcement was made on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Peeves, a mischievous ghost who roams the halls of Hogwarts causing trouble, is a prominent figure in J.K. Rowling's original seven novels but was notably absent from the eight theatrical film adaptations. The character was originally cast for the first film, with the late comedian Rik Mayall filming scenes that were ultimately cut due to time constraints. Mayall, who died in 2014, previously recounted being informed of the cut weeks after filming and receiving his full payment.

Serafinowicz's casting is seen as a signal of the series' intent to deliver a more comprehensive adaptation of the source material, leveraging the longer format of a television series. His previous roles include voicing Darth Maul in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace," playing Denarian Saal in "Guardians of the Galaxy," and appearing in last year's live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" as Spitelout.

The series, which will adapt each of the seven...