Pic credits BBC
On Monday, July 14, 2025, HBO officially began principal photography on its ambitious Harry Potter television adaptation at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK—the very site where the original film saga was brought to life (AP News). This moment marks not only a return to Hogwarts. It ushers in a new generation of wizarding storytelling designed to span the next decade.
A Season for Every Book
The series is envisioned as a seven-season saga—one season adapting each of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books. With a premiere expected in 2027, this format promises thorough, detail-rich retellings that delve deeper into characters and storylines cut or condensed in the film versions . HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery have emphasized that the show will stay “faithful to the original books,” aiming to honor the legacy while offering fresh perspectives (San Francisco Chronicle).
New Faces, Classic Roles
After an open casting call that reportedly saw over 30,000 auditions (ComingSoon), the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione have been awarded to fresh talents:
- Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter—seen in the first official image sporting the classic round glasses, Hogwarts robes, and the iconic scar (“less lightning‑bolt and more realistic”).
- Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
- Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, known for her West End performances in Matilda and Starlight Express.
Additional casting for primary and secondary characters has been confirmed:
- Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
- Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
- Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch
- Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
Veteran actors include:
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
- Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
- Nick Frost as Hagrid
- Katherine Parkinson and Johnny Flynn as Molly and Lucius Malfoy, respectively (LOS40).
The Creative and Technical Team
Leading the creative charge are showrunner Francesca Gardiner—known for her work on Succession and His Dark Materials—and director/executive producer Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones pilot episodes) (San Francisco Chronicle). Together with long-time Harry Potter producer David Heyman, along with Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and J.K. Rowling herself as executive producers, the series is a co-production involving HBO, Warner Bros. Television, Brontë Film & TV, and Heyday Films (Wikipedia).
Principal photography officially started on 14 July 2025, with Adriano Goldman as cinematographer; Holly Waddington overseeing costumes; Cate Hall on hair and makeup; and Alexis Wajsbrot supervising visual effects (Wikipedia).
Setting the Stage for a New Era
Filming at Leavesden offers more than nostalgia—it brings continuity and authenticity to the project. Here, the production recreates iconic Hogwarts spaces using the same grounds and sound stages that shaped the original films. In May 2025, elaborate sets and even location work along France’s Brittany coast were completed in preparation (Wikipedia).
The series’ scale allows deeper exploration of secondary stories—like Peeves the poltergeist, more backstory on Hogwarts staff, and expansion of magical lore—elements that were only touched on in past adaptations (9meters).
A Return 14 Years Later
It’s been nearly 14 years since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 closed the film saga on July 15, 2011 (San Francisco Chronicle). Now, as cameras roll again, the franchise enters a new phase aimed at capturing both nostalgia and new audiences—an adventure set to unfold from the same familiar castle walls.
What to Expect Next
Over the coming weeks, expect glimpses behind the scenes: set tours, interviews with cast and crew, and early footage previews. With a 2027 premiere date in view and a decade-long storytelling arc ahead, this televised Hogwarts saga holds the promise of rekindling the magic in a way long-time fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.
Stay tuned—and watch as Hogwarts reveals its next secrets.
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