Exciting news for fans of the Wizarding World: HBO’s Harry Potter television series has officially entered production. The highly anticipated adaptation has revealed its lead cast, with a stunning photo of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter—complete with iconic glasses—surfacing online. Joining him are Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton portraying the ever-brilliant Hermione Granger, completing the classic trio of Hogwarts heroes.
HBO's new Harry Potter series is set to begin filming this summer, with acclaimed costume designer Holly Waddington, recently honored with an Oscar for Poor Things, on board. The writing team welcomes Laura Neal, known for her work on Killing Eve. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner has been profiled by Deadline, providing insights into the creative direction of the project.
Several prominent actors are rumored to take on pivotal roles in the series. Notable names such as Sharon Horgan (from Bad Sisters), Paapa Essiedu (from I May Destroy You), Brett Goldstein (from Ted Lasso), and Mark Strong are being considered for beloved characters like Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Rubeus Hagrid, and Albus Dumbledore.
According to Deadline, John Lithgow is in final talks to portray the wise and enigmatic Albus Dumbledore, a casting that has since been confirmed. Additionally, Nick Frost is reportedly close to signing on as the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Actress Janet McTeer is in negotiations to take on the role of Professor McGonagall, while Paapa Essiedu is expected to step into the shoes of Severus Snape.
New cast announcements include Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Other family roles have been filled by Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley. The talented Katherine Parkinson will portray Molly Weasley.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has confirmed that the Harry Potter TV series will be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved seven-book series. Each season is expected to delve deeply into one book, with WBD aiming for a decade-long journey through the Wizarding World.
At their Max streaming event, WBD stated that this new series will provide a deeper exploration of the stories that fans cherish, with Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, emphasizing their commitment to a quality adaptation.
The cameras began rolling on July 14, 2025, with initial filming taking place at Leavesden Studios. The production timeline aligns with the open casting call that sought young actors aged 9 to 11 for the primary roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. In a nod to the franchise's legacy, prior actors from the films, including Daniel Radcliffe, have expressed their excitement for the new series, even if they do not expect to reprise their roles.
CEO Casey Bloys has indicated that the series is projected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. This timeline has generated considerable buzz, as fans eagerly await a fresh take on the iconic stories that have captivated audiences for over two decades.
J.K. Rowling is intricately involved in the series, serving as an executive producer. Her creative control over adaptations of her work ensures that the integrity of the original material is preserved. As she stated, “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me,” highlighting her enthusiasm for this new adaptation.
Warner Bros. Discovery is also exploring additional Harry Potter-related projects, with the potential for multiple adaptations and spin-offs. With the success of the recent Hogwarts Legacy video game, the appetite for content from the Wizarding World remains strong.
Once the series is ready, it will be available on the Max streaming service, which offers various subscription options. Fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of Hogwarts once again, as the series aims to captivate both new audiences and longtime fans of the franchise.
In conclusion, the upcoming Harry Potter television series promises to be a thrilling journey through the beloved stories that have defined a generation. With a talented cast, a dedicated creative team, and the involvement of J.K. Rowling, fans can expect a magical experience that resonates with the spirit of the original books.