HBO’s “Harry Potter” series begins filming in the U.K., unveils new cast, and confirms a 2027 release with each book adapted into a full season.
HBO has officially kicked off production on its long-anticipated “Harry Potter” television series at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., marking a return to Hogwarts almost 14 years after the final film’s release.
Filming is slated to begin in the summer of 2025, with a 2027 premiere on HBO and HBO Max. This reboot aims to offer a deeper exploration of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, dedicating one season to each novel over what could become a decade-long run.
At the heart of the series is Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, making his debut in the signature round glasses and Gryffindor uniform. He’s joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, all selected from a massive casting search that saw over 30,000 young actors auditioning for the iconic roles.
The casting process reflects the producers’ goal of finding fresh faces who can grow with their characters across multiple seasons.
Supporting the Golden Trio is a mix of rising talent and seasoned actors: Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson is Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey takes on Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser appears as Garrick Ollivander. In the adult roles, John Lithgow steps in as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer embodies Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu becomes Severus Snape, and Nick Frost brings Rubeus Hagrid to life.
Additional names include Katherine Parkinson (Molly Weasley), Lox Pratt (Draco Malfoy), and Johnny Flynn (Lucius Malfoy).
Behind the camera, Francesca Gardiner—known for her work on “Succession”—serves as showrunner and lead writer, while Mark Mylod directs multiple episodes and executive produces alongside Gardiner.
J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman also hold executive producer credits, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to the source material. The creative team has promised to delve deeper into character backstories and the magical world’s lore than ever before.
Each season will span roughly eight to ten episodes, with the first covering ##Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone#₹. Production on Season 1 is expected to run through spring 2026 before a brief hiatus and transition into Season 2.
To support the extensive shoot, the studio is constructing a dedicated “mini town” set complete with roads, buildings, and facilities mirroring iconic Hogwarts locations.
Veteran department heads—costume designer Holly Waddington, cinematographer Adriano Goldman, production designer Mara LePere-Schloop, and VFX supervisor Alexis Wajsbrot—will oversee every detail, from creature effects to hair and makeup.
