Warner Bros. confirmed in April 2023 that the Harry Potter franchise would be rebooted as a TV series for HBO, sparking excitement among fans worldwide. Since then, progress on the highly anticipated project has been steady, and the latest updates indicate the series is taking significant strides toward production. Per Variety, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod revealed at Max’s London showcase that filming for the series is set to begin in the summer of 2025. The production will return to Leavesden Studios, the same location where the original eight films were shot.
Leavesden Studios has been home to numerous blockbusters, including The Batman (2022), Barbie (2023), and Wicked (2024). It also houses Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which showcases original props and sets from the film series. Returning to this iconic location for the reboot will amplify the nostalgic elements of the new series, further connecting it to the beloved cinematic world. The decision to collaborate with Framestore, the visual effects company behind many of the magical creatures in the original films, underscores Warner Bros.’ commitment to retaining the essence of the original while delivering a fresh adaptation.
Casting for the series is already underway, with an open call for the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger generating significant buzz. Gardiner and Mylod revealed that 32,000 child actors have auditioned for the iconic trio, and the creative team is meticulously reviewing 500 to 1,000 tapes daily. Shortlisted candidates will participate in workshops starting January, but no final decisions have been made. The producers also confirmed plans to cast characters according to their canonical ages, aligning with the books’ timeline. For example, James and Lily Potter are envisioned as 21 at the time of their deaths, and Severus Snape is in his 30s. Notably, actor Paapa Essiedu, 34, is rumoured to be in talks to play Snape.
Meanwhile, discussions around casting Albus Dumbledore continue, with Mark Rylance reportedly topping the wishlist for the role of the wise headmaster. HBO has promised a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels, committing to a 10-year production timeline. The series aims to delve deeply into the source material, offering fans an expansive exploration of the wizarding world. Despite controversies surrounding Rowling, the author remains involved in the project as an executive producer, alongside Gardiner, Mylod, and other key figures.
Though initially slated for a 2026 release, the series may premiere as late as early 2027, according to HBO. With an ambitious vision and an extensive commitment from Warner Bros., the Harry Potter TV reboot promises to bring a new chapter of magic to both long-time fans and new audiences.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
