Wizarding world fans listen up! The excitement is real because the Harry Potter TV series is officially brewing at HBO. We are talking a whole new generation getting ready to experience the magic of Hogwarts and we have got the latest info. From casting whispers to production timelines and what the creators are promising get ready to dive back into the world of witches wizards and wonder.
Production is Heating Up: Filming Starts Summer 2025 and Costume Designer Revealed
Good news Potterheads things are moving forward. Filming for the Harry Potter TV series is set to kick off in summer 2025. That's not too far away! Leavesden Studios the place where the original movies were filmed will be casting its spell once again. They have even snagged a seriously talented costume designer Holly Waddington. She just won an Oscar for her work on Poor Things so expect amazing costumes.
Behind the scenes talented folks are joining the team. Laura Neal known for Killing Eve is in the writers room working her magic. Francesca Gardiner of Succession fame is the showrunner meaning she is in charge of making sure everything comes together. Mark Mylod also from Succession will be directing episodes. It looks like HBO is bringing in some top-tier talent to make this series something special.
Professor Face-Off: Dumbledore Snape McGonagall and Hagrid Casting Rumors Swirl
Casting rumors are flying around faster than a Nimbus 2000. Some big names are being talked about for major professor roles. For Dumbledore John Lithgow is reportedly in final talks to play the iconic headmaster. He even confirmed it himself. Other names mentioned for Dumbledore include Gary Oldman and Mark Strong. Janet McTeer known for her Oscar nominations is in talks to play Professor McGonagall . Sharon Horgan was also mentioned for McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu from I May Destroy You is rumored to be closing a deal to play the complex Severus Snape. Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso is a name floating around for the lovable Hagrid.
It seems like HBO might be looking at actors who can bring gravitas and depth to these beloved characters. Imagine John Lithgow as Dumbledore or Paapa Essiedu as Snape. Intriguing right?
The Golden Trio Search is On: Young Actors Needed for Harry Ron and Hermione
Now for the most important casting the new Harry Ron and Hermione. HBO is doing an open casting call for these roles and they are looking for young actors between 9 and 11 years old as of April 2025. Think back to Daniel Radcliffe Emma Watson and Rupert Grint they were cast around those ages too for the first movie. Get ready to potentially see some fresh faces become huge stars.
They are committed to diverse and inclusive casting which is great to hear. They want to find the best actors for these roles no matter their background. Apparently over 32000 young actors auditioned. That is a lot of hopeful witches and wizards.
Will Original Film Stars Return? Maybe Not But Never Say Never Says Daniel Radcliffe
Will we see Daniel Radcliffe Emma Watson or Rupert Grint in the series? It is unlikely for major roles as HBO seems to want a fresh start. Daniel Radcliffe himself has said he thinks it is wise for them to have a "clean break". He is excited to watch it as a regular audience member and does not expect a cameo. However never say never right? Gary Oldman who played Sirius Black in the films has said he would be open to returning maybe even as Dumbledore. Jason Isaacs who played Lucius Malfoy even joked about wanting to come back as Hermione Granger. So while it seems like the focus is on new actors a surprise cameo or two down the line is always a possibility in the magical world of Harry Potter.
Behind the Magic: The Creative Team and Big Budget Production
HBO is not holding back on this series. They are bringing in top creative talent and are expected to spend big bucks to make it amazing. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod from Succession are leading the charge. Framestore the VFX company that worked on the original movies is in talks to create the visual magic again. HBO Max boss Casey Bloys has hinted that the budget will be similar to or even bigger than House of the Dragon which cost nearly $200 million per season. They are clearly serious about making this a high-quality show.
JK Rowling's Involvement: Creative Control and Executive Producer Role
Of course JK Rowling the author of the Harry Potter books is involved. She is an executive producer and has creative control over adaptations of her work. This deal took a while to finalize but it is done now. Rowling and her production company Bronte Film and TV are working closely with Warner Bros. Television on the series. Rowling has said that HBO Max is committed to preserving the integrity of her books which is important to her. While Rowling is involved HBO has also stated they are comfortable moving forward with or without her direct day-to-day input focusing on what is on screen.
Mark Your Calendars: Harry Potter Series Expected in 2026 or 2027
When can we expect to return to Hogwarts? While there is no official release date yet the Harry Potter TV series is expected to arrive on HBO Max in 2026 or 2027. HBO Max will be the main place to watch it. HBO cable subscribers will likely be able to watch it on TV too just like House of the Dragon. If you are in Canada Crave will be the place to stream it. It might feel like a long wait but get ready because the wizarding world is expanding on TV soon.
Key Things to Know About the Harry Potter TV Series:
- Release Window: Expected in 2026 or 2027 on HBO Max.
- Production Start: Filming begins Summer 2025 at Leavesden Studios.
- Creative Team: Francesca Gardiner (Showrunner) Mark Mylod (Director) Laura Neal (Writer).
- Casting: Open casting for Harry Ron Hermione. John Lithgow rumored for Dumbledore Paapa Essiedu for Snape Janet McTeer for McGonagall.
- JK Rowling's Role: Executive Producer with creative control.
- Budget: Expected to be on a large scale similar to or bigger than House of the Dragon.
- Platform: Streaming on Max and likely airing on HBO cable.
- Story: Faithful adaptation of all seven Harry Potter books one book per season rumored.
Get Your Wands Ready: A New Era of Harry Potter is Almost Here
So there you have it everything we know so far about the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. It sounds like HBO is pulling out all the stops to create a faithful and spectacular adaptation of the books. With a talented creative team exciting casting rumors and a big budget production the new series has the potential to be truly magical. Get ready to return to Hogwarts in 2026 or 2027 it is going to be an enchanting journey.