The Weasley Family Is Growing as HBO’s “Harry Potter” Casts Arthur Weasley for Season 2

There are already plenty of Weasleys waiting to welcome Harry Potter into their wonderfully chaotic family. Now, another very important member is officially on his way.

HBO’s “Harry Potter” has found its Arthur Weasley.

Rafe Spall, known for projects including “Trying” and “Life of Pi,” has joined the upcoming series as the Weasley patriarch, becoming one of three newly announced additions for Season 2. Molly Hewitt-Richards will take on the role of Hogwarts’ resident bathroom ghost Moaning Myrtle, while Jasper Ambrose has been cast as enthusiastic young photographer Colin Creevey.

Yes, Season 2.

The first season of HBO’s ambitious new adaptation hasn’t even premiered yet, but work on the next school year continues moving ahead. Season 2 will adapt “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” meaning the Wizarding World needs to grow rather quickly as Harry, Ron and Hermione’s second year at Hogwarts introduces another sizeable collection of characters.

Arthur is naturally one of the most important additions. As Ron’s father and patriarch of the Weasley family, his arrival brings another piece of the Burrow—and one of the Wizarding World’s most beloved families—into place. Mark Williams previously portrayed Arthur throughout the “Harry Potter” film series.

Then there is Moaning Myrtle, the former Hogwarts student who now spends her afterlife haunting one of the girls’ bathrooms. Shirley Henderson played the rather vocal ghost in the original films, while Hewitt-Richards will now inherit the role for HBO. Considering just how important Myrtle’s bathroom becomes during the mystery surrounding the Chamber of Secrets, this is one ghost Harry and his friends will have a difficult time avoiding.

Colin Creevey, meanwhile, will be played by Ambrose. A first-year Hogwarts student with a love of photography and an even greater fascination with Harry, Colin arrives at school ready to document practically everything around him. Hugh Mitchell originally brought the character to the big screen.

The three join an increasingly busy Season 2 roster. Kit Harington has already been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart, while Lenny Rush will play Dobby and Billy Barratt will take on the younger Tom Riddle. Bonnie Hill has also been announced as Ginny Weasley for Season 2.

That last addition is particularly notable because Season 1 features Gracie Cochrane as Ginny, alongside Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. The first-year cast is led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, with John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost among the adults bringing Hogwarts to life.

It all continues to demonstrate just how quickly HBO is moving through this new era of the Wizarding World. Rather than waiting to see Harry’s first year at Hogwarts play out before turning its attention toward what comes next, many of the pieces needed for “Chamber of Secrets” are already falling into place.

Before any of that, however, there is still a rather important first trip to Hogwarts to make.

Season 1 of “Harry Potter” will premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25, bringing Harry, Ron and Hermione together for their first year at Hogwarts. Francesca Gardiner serves as writer and executive producer, with Mark Mylod executive producing and directing multiple episodes.

Then it will be time to head back for Year Two.

Just maybe keep an eye on the bathrooms this time.