Production has officially commenced on the new Harry Potter television series, with the first image of lead actor Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry Potter unveiled. This adaptation, produced by HBO, aims to delve deeper into J.K. Rowling's beloved novels than the previous film series.
The series is set to span a decade, with the first season expected to premiere in 2027. McLaughlin, who is 11 years old, will be joined by fellow newcomers Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton, cast as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively.
In addition to the main trio, several notable cast members have been announced. Anton Lesser, known for his role in Andor, will portray wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. Louise Brealey, recognised for her work in Sherlock, will take on the role of flying instructor Madam Hooch. Rory Wilmot has been cast as Neville Longbottom, while Amos Kitson will play Dudley Dursley.
The series will be filmed at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, the same location where the original eight Harry Potter films were produced. HBO has committed to creating a "faithful adaptation of the iconic books," allowing for more extensive exploration of the plotlines without the time constraints faced by the films.
The production team includes several experienced professionals, such as director of photography Adriano Goldman and hair and makeup designer Cate Hall, both of whom have previously worked on The Crown. As the series progresses, it will be crucial for production to keep pace with the young cast as they grow into their roles.