Production officially commenced on HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter television series this week, with the network releasing the first images of key cast members in costume.
The ambitious 10-year project began filming on Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, the same location where the original eight Harry Potter films were shot. The series is expected to continue production through spring 2026, with the first season set to debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max.
Table of Contents
- New Faces for Beloved Characters
- Star-Studded Adult Cast
- Faithful Adaptation with Room to Breathe
- Behind the Scenes Excellence
New Faces for Beloved Characters
HBO has unveiled the first look at Nick Frost transforming into the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, taking over the role previously immortalised by the late Robbie Coltrane. The “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” actor joins an impressive ensemble cast bringing J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to television.
The series stars 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, whose first costume image was released alongside the production announcement. McLaughlin was selected alongside Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) and Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley) from more than 30,000 actors who auditioned in a casting call last autumn.
Star-Studded Adult Cast
The adult cast features several notable names, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Katherine Parkinson will portray Molly Weasley, while the Dursley family will be brought to life by Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley.
Additional casting announcements revealed Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. The supporting cast also includes Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge.
Faithful Adaptation with Room to Breathe
HBO has promised “a faithful adaptation of the iconic books,” with the television format allowing more breathing space to explore plot lines from Rowling’s novels without the time constraints that limited the film adaptations. This expanded format is expected to provide deeper character development and more comprehensive storytelling across the beloved series.
The production is led by showrunner and writer Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on “His Dark Materials” and “Killing Eve,” alongside director Mark Mylod of “Succession” fame. Both serve as executive producers alongside J.K. Rowling herself, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
Behind the Scenes Excellence
The production has assembled a talented crew, including several professionals who previously worked on “The Crown,” such as director of photography Adriano Goldman and hair and makeup designer Cate Hall. This expertise promises to bring high production values to the magical world of Hogwarts.
The series is being produced by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, marking a significant investment in bringing one of the world’s most beloved literary franchises back to screens in a new format.
With production now underway and a 2027 debut on the horizon, fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of Harry Potter’s world through fresh eyes while maintaining the essence of what made the original stories so captivating.
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