The most magical franchise in entertainment is coming back: Harry Potter will have a live-action TV series on HBO, based on the seven books of the young wizard created by J.K. Rowling. With a premiere expected in 2026, the series promises a faithful adaptation of the original material, a renewed cast, and an ambitious ten-year duration.
Filmelier has compiled everything you need to know about the series, which will have executive production by the controversial author J.K. Rowling and a contract for a decade-long duration. Meanwhile, check here where to watch all the Harry Potter movies online.
The Harry Potter Series is a Reboot, not a Spin-Off.
Unlike Fantastic Beasts and other derivative products, the new production will be a complete reboot of the original saga. The proposal is to adapt each of the seven books in detail, with more space to explore the magical world, characters, and narrative arcs.
The project was announced in April 2023 during the official presentation of the new HBO Max platform (formerly Max), which merged HBO Max and Discovery+. Since then, Warner Bros. Discovery has been gradually confirming information about the production structure, cast, and behind-the-scenes.
Scene of Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Credit: Warner Bros.)
Meet the Confirmed Actors in the HBO Harry Potter Series
With the cast starting to be revealed, the new HBO Harry Potter series promises to bring together renowned names and rising talents. Below, we present the actors already confirmed or in advanced negotiations, highlighting their main works — information that helps understand the tone and potential of the new adaptation.
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow will be Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series (Credits: Warner; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
A veteran of film and television, John Lithgow is one of Hollywood’s most respected names. Winner of two Emmy Awards for his role as Winston Churchill in The Crown and nominated for an Oscar for The World According to Garp, the actor also shone in Dexter, Interstellar and, recently, Conclave. His choice to play the headmaster of Hogwarts gives immediate prestige to the production and promises a more dramatic and imposing Dumbledore.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape in the HBO series (Credit: Murray Close/ Getty Images; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock; ENews)
One of the most talked-about names in the new phase of British TV, Paapa Essiedu stood out in the award-winning series I May Destroy You, for which he was nominated for an Emmy. He also starred in The Lazarus Project and Gangs of London, always in complex and nuanced roles — exactly as Snape requires. His casting represents a bold reinterpretation of the character immortalized by Alan Rickman.
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer will be Minerva McGonagall in the HBO series, a role played by Maggie Smith in the films (Credits: Murray Close/ Getty Images; Kate Green/Getty Images; ENews)
British actress Janet McTeer is in advanced negotiations to play Professor McGonagall. With standout performances in Ozark, Jessica Jones, and the film Albert Nobbs (which earned her an Oscar nomination), McTeer has the stature and presence ideal for portraying the Gryffindor house leader with authority and sensitivity.
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Rubeus Hagrid portrayed by Robbie Coltrane in the films, will now be played by Nick Frost (Credits: Maxppp/Warner Bros. via ZUMA Press; Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock; ENews)
Known for his sharp British humor, Nick Frost has become a favorite in pop culture for comedies like Shaun of the Dead and The World’s End. With his blend of sweetness and imposing physical presence, he is expected to bring charisma and lightness to the character of the gamekeeper Hagrid — a role originally played by Robbie Coltrane. The casting, although surprising, has been well received by fans on social media.
Luke Thallon will be Quirinus Quirrell, a role that was played by Ian Hart in the films (Credits: KPA/United Archives via ZUMA Press Wire; James Veysey/Shutterstock; ENews)
The actor Luke Thallon, considered a promising talent in British theater, is set to portray the mysterious Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in the first season. Although less known to the general public, Thallon has received praise for his performances on London stages and independent projects, and may surprise as the unsettling Quirrell — one of the central figures in The Philosopher’s Stone.
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
David Bradley portrayed Argus Filch, now the role will be played by Paul Whitehouse (Credits: Globe Photos/ZUMA Wire; Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock; ENews)Paul Whitehouse, a British comedian known for his work on the series The Fast Show, takes on the role of the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts, Argus Filch. The choice balances the character’s classic humor with the darker tone of the new production.
Who Will Play Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
Now it’s official: HBO has revealed the three protagonists of the new Harry Potter series. After an extensive selection process involving over 32,000 children, young actors Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout were chosen to play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. Learn more about them below!
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin, and Alastair Stout portray Hermione, Harry, and Ron in HBO’s new Harry Potter series, set to premiere in 2026 (Credits: Aidan Monaghan/HBO)
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
The new actor for the most famous wizard in pop culture will be Dominic McLaughlin, who has a role in the BBC action-adventure series Gifted. Although a new name on television, McLaughlin impressed producers with his intensity and charisma — essential elements to bring the “Boy Who Lived” to life.
Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
Arabella Stanton was chosen to play Hermione Granger. The actress has stage experience and gained prominence playing Matilda in Matilda – The Musical, in the prestigious West End theater scene in London. Her trajectory suggests a determined Hermione passionate about knowledge, as in J.K. Rowling’s books.
Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
Completing the trio is Alastair Stout, also a newcomer to the screen, cast to bring Ron Weasley to life. Described by producers as charismatic and spontaneous, Stout promises to deliver the balance of humor, loyalty, and emotion that defines the character.
Careful Selection after Global Auditions
The selection process lasted months and involved open auditions for children aged 9 to 11, residing in the UK and Ireland, just as it happened with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson in the first film adaptation. HBO and casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann emphasized their commitment to inclusive and diverse casting, encouraging agents to submit candidates of all backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities.
In an official statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod stated:
“After an extraordinary search, we are proud to announce our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The chemistry between them is magical, and we can’t wait for the audience to meet them.”
Filming begins in the European summer of 2025 at Warner Bros. studios in Leavesden. The premiere of the first season is still scheduled for 2026.
Meanwhile, other actors are in negotiations for the production. Rumors suggest that Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) is being considered for the role of the villain Voldemort/Tom Riddle.
Who is behind the New Harry Potter Series?
The creative team of the Harry Potter series brings together highly esteemed professionals from British television, known for their narrative and visual sophistication. Francesca Gardiner, chosen as the showrunner, has already penned scripts for acclaimed series such as Succession and His Dark Materials, demonstrating her ability to adapt complex universes with emotional depth. The direction of the first episodes will be handled by Mark Mylod, Emmy-nominated for his work on Succession and also responsible for memorable episodes of Game of Thrones.
In the writers’ room, the addition of Laura Neal, the lead writer of the last season of Killing Eve, promises to bring a sharp perspective to psychological conflicts and strong female characters. The costume design will be led by Holly Waddington, Oscar winner for her work on the impactful visuals of Poor Things, indicating a careful aesthetic approach to the magical universe.
The production is led by Brontë Film and TV in partnership with Warner Bros. Television. Author J.K. Rowling participates as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, in an effort to maintain the essence of the books, now adapted for a new format and generation.
What to Expect from the Adaptation of Harry Potter
The New Series Will be Faithful to the Original Books and Will Feature a Renewed Cast
According to HBO, each season will adapt one of the books from the saga with greater narrative depth, featuring a new cast and a long-term production. The goal is to offer a more complete experience to fans, with more developed arcs and greater fidelity to the original work. The project was announced with a forecast of lasting 10 consecutive years, but there is no confirmation that the seasons will be released annually.
“The stories of each of the Harry Potter books will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craftsmanship, love, and care for which this global franchise is known. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fans, full of fantastic details, beloved characters, and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. Each season will be faithful to the original books and will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic, and beloved films will remain at the heart of the franchise and available to be watched globally”.
J.K. Rowling decided to use the Time-Turner and “remake” the Harry Potter saga (Credit: Warner Bros.)
Reactions and Controversies Surrounding the Production
J.K. Rowling’s return to the center of the production caused division on social media, especially due to her controversial positions on gender issues. Nevertheless, the franchise remains strong among fans, and the renewed casting has reignited enthusiasm for the story.
The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Snape also sparked online debates, with part of the audience questioning the change in the character’s ethnicity. On the other hand, many praised the choice, highlighting the talent of the Emmy-nominated actor.
The Series Will be Broadcast Worldwide on the HBO Max Streaming Platform
The new series will be aired by HBO and will be available on the HBO Max platform. Still without an exact premiere date, the forecast is that the first season will hit the screens in 2026, inaugurating a new era for the universe created by J.K. Rowling.
Tip for fans: while the new series has not premiered, check out where to watch all the films of the Harry Potter saga and dive back into the magical universe!
Remember the order to watch the feature films and take the opportunity to get that themed gift from Amazon for a Harry Potter fan here.
Crítica e jornalista especializada em filmes, séries e cultura pop desde 2013, Vitória Pratini já teve seus textos publicados no AdoroCinema, IGN Brasil, Terra e MSN. Durante sua carreira, cobriu eventos do ramo audiovisual, como San Diego Comic-Con, CCXP, Festival do Rio e Prêmio Grande Otelo. Já participou de júris de festivais e entrevistou nomes como Helen Mirren, Fernanda Torres, Gilberto Gil, Jude Law e Bryan Cranston. Especialista em SEO, Vitória atualmente é estrategista de conteúdo e repórter do Filmelier.
