Production has officially begun on HBO’s highly anticipated “Harry Potter” television series, with the studio announcing its new cast for the iconic trio and a target premiere date of 2027. The series is planned as a faithful, decade-long adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga.
HBO confirmed the series will be available to stream on Max upon its release. Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, stated the television format will allow for a “deep dive into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
Stepping into the lead roles are Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The announcement of 11-year-old McLaughlin, previously seen in the British comedy “Grow,” was met with enthusiasm from many fans. “He looks exactly like the cover art Harry, he is adorable!” one user commented on Instagram.
The series also features a lineup of veteran and rising stars, including Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Other key cast members include Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, and Daniel Rigby and Bel Powley as Vernon and Petunia Dursley.
The show is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK, the same facility that housed production for the original films and blockbusters like “Barbie” and “Wonka.”
J.K. Rowling serves as an executive producer and has reportedly worked closely with the show’s writers. On social media, she praised the scripts for the first two episodes as “so, so, so good!”
However, fan reaction remains divided. While many are excited for a new adaptation, others have expressed reservations due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling’s public statements on transgender issues. “Won’t support JKR, but I hope the kids do well,” wrote another commenter.
Some fans have also questioned the necessity of a reboot, citing the enduring popularity of the original film series and the incomplete “Fantastic Beasts” prequel franchise.
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