HBO’s Harry Potter series, set to debut in two years, has already sparked huge interest. Since its announcement in April 2023 as a “decade-long series” faithfully adapting J.K. Rowling’s books, fans have been buzzing.
The series has faced both excitement and criticism, with Rowling serving as executive producer despite her controversial statements. The creative team even went through an extensive search before hiring Succession’s Francesca Gardiner as the writer.
The excitement around the Harry Potter series is stronger than ever as casting begins for production in summer 2025. Writer Francesca Gardiner shared that 32,000 kids have sent audition tapes for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Meanwhile, the producers and casting director Lucy Bevan are creating lists of famous British actors and checking who’s available for the adult roles in this highly anticipated project.
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The Harry Potter series is keeping everything top secret, with strict rules to stop any leaks. A few rumored names have surfaced for the iconic roles, which will be played by younger actors than in the movies. Writer Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod shared that they’ll follow the book characters’ real ages. For example, Severus Snape will be 31, and the Dursleys will be much younger than they were in the films.
The first rumored actor for Dumbledore, Hogwarts’ headmaster, was Oscar winner Mark Rylance, who would follow Richard Harris and Michael Gambon from the movies. Recently, Mark Strong’s name has also been mentioned for the role. For Snape, the Potions Master originally played by Alan Rickman, Paapa Essiedu from I May Destroy You is being considered.
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Rumors suggest that Sharon Horgan, Emmy-nominated star and co-creator of Bad Sisters, might play Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, a role originally brought to life by Maggie Smith. There’s also talk about Oscar winner Rachel Weisz being considered for the part.
At the same time, Brett Goldstein, the Emmy-winning favorite from Ted Lasso, is rumored to take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, originally played by Robbie Coltrane.
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None of the actors have received official offers yet. HBO is staying quiet about the rumors, saying,
We know this high-profile series sparks a lot of buzz, but we’ll confirm casting details only after deals are final.
The excitement around casting remains high, and fans will likely keep guessing until the main roles are officially announced. Interest also extends to the crew. Earlier, it was revealed that Oscar-winning designer Holly Waddington (Poor Things) will handle costumes for the show.
The Harry Potter series will be filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where the original movies were made, and is expected to premiere on HBO in late 2026 or 2027.
Source: Deadline