Harry Potter Returns: HBO Begins Filming New TV Series, Release Date & Everything We Know So Far

The Wizarding World is all set to return to the screen as HBO officially begins production on its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series. Fans have now received their first glimpse of the new Hogwarts trio – Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The cast aims to carry forward the legacy of the beloved characters once brought to life by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the original films.

Veteran Stars Join the Hogwarts Faculty

The cast doesn’t stop with the trio. HBO has roped in a stellar ensemble of seasoned actors for pivotal roles. John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, with Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Fans will also see Nick Frost as Hagrid, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Rounding out the Dursley family are Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby, while young actors Rory Wilmot and Amos Kitson step in as Neville Longbottom and Dudley Dursley, respectively.

A Book-by-Book Retelling of Rowling’s Saga

Unlike the eight original films, HBO’s adaptation will take a more faithful approach, dedicating one full season to each of J.K. Rowling’s seven books. The decade-long series will offer a deep dive into unexplored corners of the wizarding world, bringing back characters and storylines that were previously omitted, such as Peeves the poltergeist, Winky the house-elf, and Charlie Weasley.

Warner Bros. Discovery has promised a production that is “authentic to the original books,” giving fans hope for a more comprehensive adaptation. The series will run until 2037, giving each season time to expand on key subplots and magical lore that film audiences never got to fully experience.

Big Names Behind the Scenes

The creative force behind the new adaptation includes Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, as showrunner, and acclaimed director Mark Mylod helming several episodes. David Heyman, the producer behind the original films, is returning alongside Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts as executive producers under Brontë Film and TV.

HBO Max confirmed the project with a post reading, “First years, step forward,” as filming commenced at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, UK, the same location where the original films were shot. The studio spans 350,000 square feet and has hosted recent blockbusters including Barbie, Wonka, and Superman.

2027 Premiere and Voldemort’s Secret Casting

The series is expected to premiere in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max, though an exact release date has yet to be confirmed. J.K. Rowling recently revealed she has read the first two episodes and expressed excitement over the script’s quality, sharing on social media: “They are so, so good.”

In a surprising twist, reports suggest that Lord Voldemort will appear in several episodes, but the identity of the actor playing the Dark Lord will remain secret until the series airs. This mystery has sparked widespread speculation among fans, adding to the series’ already considerable buzz.

With a decade-long commitment, a fresh but talented cast, and a promise to remain loyal to the source material, HBO’s Harry Potter series is shaping up to be one of television’s most ambitious projects. As the doors to Hogwarts open once more, fans around the world are preparing to embark on a magical journey like never before.