Following its announcement in 2023, the highly-anticipated return of “Harry Potter,” revived for television by HBO, is currently set to begin streaming its first season in 2027. More than 25 years after the original film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” first hit theaters, the series will act as an episodic series, effectively rebooting the Oscar-winning eight-film franchise by telling the story of the Boy Who Lived all over again.
Casting announcement began in April 2025, revealing the new faces that would be portraying fan favorite “Harry Potter” characters in the upcoming series. The announcements similarly revealed that 11-year-old English actor Dominic McLaughlin would be starring in the title role of Harry Potter, formerly portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe in the films.
McLaughlin Spotted Filming Iconic ‘Harry Potter’ Scene
With its cast set in stone, HBO revealed that filming for the monumental project had officially begun on Monday, July 14, sharing behind the scenes snaps of McLaughlin dressed in his trademark Hogwarts robes and sporting Harry’s signature lightning-bolt scar.
Aidan Monaghan/HBOOn Thursday, July 17, the “Harry Potter” series cast were once again camera-ready as they were spotted filming scenes for the upcoming series by the penguin enclosure at London Zoo.
Daily Mail shared the first photos from the set, which showed McLaughlin filming a scene from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” where Harry travels to the zoo to celebrate his cousin Dudley’s 11th birthday. Harry, miserable with his life living under the stairs at No. 4 Privet Drive with his menacing Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, who will be portrayed by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby respectively in the new series, commiserates with a Burmese python on the trip before accidentally (and magically) trapping Dudley, to be played by Amos Kitson, in the snake’s enclosure.
Who’s Who at Hogwarts in the HBO Reboot Series
Filming for scenes set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, previously filmed in the Scottish Highlands, will likely commence in the coming weeks, introducing McLaughlin’s Gyffindor classmates Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as well as his rival, Draco Malfoy in Slytherin House.
Aidan Monaghan/HBOPreviously portrayed by Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Tom Felton in the films, the iconic witch and wizards will now be played by Alastair Stout, Arabella Stanton and Lox Pratt, respectively.
“Conclave” star John Lithgow will take over the role of Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming series, joined by “Ozark” star Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonnagal and “Star Wars: Skeleton Screw” actor Nick Frost in the role of Rubeus Hargrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.
The first season has similarly cast several of its antagonists, including “Gangs of London” actor Paapa Essiedu in the role of Professor Severus Snape and “The Favourite” star Luke Thallon signed on to portray Harry’s first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Quirinus Quirrell.
Notably remaining from the official cast is the series’ main antagonist Tom Riddle, more ominously known as Lord Voldemort. Previously portrayed by “Conclave” star Ralph Fiennes. While actors like Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy and MCU star Tom Hiddleston have been rumored to be in talks to fill the role, it’s possible that, like the original films, Voledmort won’t appear in physical form in the first season. Technically, Fiennes’ Voldemort didn’t even make his first “Harry Potter” appearance until the fourth film, “Goblet of Fire.”
Stay tuned for further information on the full cast, filming and debut of HBO’s “Harry Potter” series as it becomes available.
Comments
‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Stars Spotted Filming First Scenes at London Zoo