Dominic McLaughlin in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
Preview:
The first official look at the new ‘Harry Potter’ series is online.
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout are Harry, Ron and Hermione.
‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ will arrive at Christmas.
With the show having been in development for a while now, HBO has taken the UK launch of its streaming service to offer up the first images from the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series, which not-so-shockingly is calling its first season ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, including looks at the likes of three leads Harry, Ron and Hermione, played by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout.
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The cast also includes Nick Frost (Hagrid), John Lithgow (Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (Snape) and Warwick Davis (who is the one carryover from the movie cast, to play Professor Flitwick). And the first teaser has also arrived –– find that at the bottom of the page.
John Lithgow in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Lara Cornell/HBO.
From the sounds of it, the show won’t venture too far from the books, just taking the expanded running time a TV series allows to adapt more from them.
Here’s the official logline: “There is nothing special about Harry Potter – at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past…”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series be on screens?
Nick Frost in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
HBO Max has confirmed a Christmas 2026 release for this initial season.
(L to R) Alastair Stout, Dominic McLaughlin and Arabella Stanton in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
Hogwarts Express in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.Paapa Essiedu in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Lara Cornell/HBO.Janet McTeer in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Lara Cornell/HBO.Lox Pratt in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Lara Cornell/HBO.(L to R) Daniel Rigby and Bel Powley in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.Amos Kitson in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.Dominic McLaughlin in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.Arabella Stanton in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.Alastair Stout in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.Dominic McLaughlin in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Photo: Aidan Monaghan/HBO.
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‘Harry Potter’ TV series cast (from left to right): John Lithgow (Credit: Jessica Howes), Janet McTeer (Credit: Andrew Crowley), Paapa Essiedu (Credit: Ruth Crafer), Nick Frost (Credit: Lee Malone), Luke Thallon (Credit: Phil Sharp), Paul Whitehouse (Credit: Mike Marsland).
Preview:
HBO is finally confirming the first cast for its ‘Harry Potter’ TV series.
John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Nick Frost are among them.
The show aims to adapt the books across the next several years.
We’ve spent the last few months hearing about actors scoring roles in HBO’s ambitious, giant planned small screen adaptation of the ‘Harry Potter’ book series.
All through it –– even as John Lithgow in particular openly admitted he was part of the show –– the company has stuck to its “no comment” stance, presumably biding time while schedules are figured out (this thing is quite the time commitment if it works beyond the first season) and contacts are worked through.
Yet now it’s officially official, with parent company Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO releasing word that Lithgow (who is playing headmaster Albus Dumbledore), alongside Janet McTeer (Professor Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (as Severus Snape) and Nick Frost (bringing gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid to screens) will make up part of the series regular cohort.
(L to R) Robbie Coltrane and Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
In addition, the HBO release adds stage actor Luke Thallon (whose main screen credit so far has been a tiny role in 2018’s ‘The Favourite’) and UK comedian and actor Paul Whitehouse (who US audiences might know from ‘The Death of Stalin’ but also has ‘Potter’ form after playing Sir Cadogan in third movie ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban‘), as recurring guest stars.
Thallon has nabbed the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrell, a key part of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ while Whitehouse is set to play Hogwarts caretaker and grumpy cat owner Argus Filch, who pops up throughout the stories.
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Here’s the official statement on the initial casting from showrunner Francesca Gardiner and main director/executive producer Mark Mylod:
“We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch. We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
We’re still waiting, of course, to find out which three young actors have scored the key roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione following a giant casting call, while other important characters such as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin will presumably be cast once the series reaches their entrances.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Gardiner scored the job of showrunner after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right writer/producer. Mylod will direct multiple episodes of the series, having worked on the likes of ‘Succession’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.
Who else has been rumored for the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?
Lithgow’s ‘Conclave’ co-star Ralph Fiennes –– who was the villainous Voldemort in four of the seven ‘Potter’ movies –– suggesting someone who could take over that character (even though he’s said he’d be willing to return if asked).
“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”
We’d add at this point that The Hollywood Reporter’s sources have poured cold water on the idea of Murphy even being considered right now. Which is not to say he isn’t, but that no one wants to talk yet.
The biggest issue for getting more famous –– and therefore busier –– actors involved is the commitment issue; those taking part would likely be contracted for a good 10 years or so. But we can imagine HBO conjuring hefty cash offers to name stars to entice them.
What about the J.K. Rowling issue?
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Potter’ creator and original novelist J.K. Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.
This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:
“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until later this year.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
(Left) Nick Frost in ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Photo: Warner Bros.
Preview:
Nick Frost is close to a deal to play Rubeus Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series.
He’d join John Lithgow, who is confirmed as playing Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore.
The show aims to adapt the books across the next several years.
Like the giant, moving chess totems in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ the pieces are falling into place casting-wise for the new HBO TV series adaptation the iconic fantasy novels.
While the only person truly confirmed so far is John Lithgow, who will be Albus Dumbledore, the benevolent yet mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, there is word that both Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are close to their own deals as fellow Hogwarts educators Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape respectively, now Deadline is reporting that Nick Frost is the latest person in negotiations.
Assuming his own deal lands, Frost will be playing Rubeus Hagrid, the kindly half-giant groundskeeper at Hogwarts who becomes a firm friend for Harry and co.
In the movies, Hagrid was played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who sadly died in 2022.
HBO, somewhat naturally, is sticking to its blanket refusal to confirm anything:
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
As for the main trio, the company has conducted a huge search for young actors who will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but we’ve yet to learn who has landed the key roles.
Upcoming for Frost? Playing Gobber in the live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ in theaters on June 13th.
What’s the story of the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
The series will be written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, who scored the job after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right showrunner. Mark Mylod is executive producing and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The show will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios facility outside London in the UK, where the movies were made.
Who else has been rumored for the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?
John Lithgow’s ‘Conclave’ co-star Ralph Fiennes –– who was the villainous Voldemort in four of the seven ‘Potter’ movies –– suggesting someone who could take over that character (even though he’s said he’d be willing to return if asked).
“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”
We’d add at this point that The Hollywood Reporter’s sources have poured cold water on the idea of Murphy even being considered right now. Which is not to say he isn’t, but that no one wants to talk yet.
The biggest issue for getting more famous –– and therefore busier –– actors involved is the commitment issue; those taking part would likely be contracted for a good 10 years or so. But we can imagine HBO conjuring hefty cash offers to name stars to entice them.
What about the J.K. Rowling issue?
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Potter’ creator and original novelist Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.
This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:
“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
Fiennes (yes, him again) weighed in on the issue when talking to The New York Times in 2022:
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until later this year.
(L to R) Robbie Coltrane and Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
(Left) Paapa Essiedu in ‘May Destroy You’. Credit: Photograph by Courtesy of HBO. (Right) Alan Rickman in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’. Photo: Warner Bros.
Back then, there was little information about exactly what it might be. But following an article last year on the story via Bloomberg, Warner Bros. and HBO finally confirmed that, yes, a ‘Potter’ is indeed in the works.
And now we’ve hit the recruitment stage, with Warner Bros. announcing an open casting call to find the key roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione and a wealth of speculation about who might play other main characters.
Snape, of course is the potions professor at Hogwarts and the head of Slytherin House. Throughout the book series, he and Harry are constantly at odds, as Harry’s father bullied Snape when they were both students at the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Snape also harbored an unrequited love for Harry’s mother, Lily. Snape was portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the films.
The Hollywood Reporter, which broke word of Essiedu being considered to take on the role, cautions that no deal has been done yet.
And HBO was surprisingly quick to make sure we all know it’s still only a rumor:
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
What’s the story of the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Here’s the official HBO statement on the show:
“The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
The series will be written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, who scored the job after HBO conducted an extensive search for the right showrunner. Mark Mylod is executive producing and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
Who else has been rumored for the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?
Mark Rylance in ‘Bridge of Spies’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Alongside Essiedu, there has been plenty of talk via Variety of Mark Rylance, an actor who has deep roots in British theatre and who has been seen in movies including ‘The BFG,’ ‘Ready Player One,’ ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Bridge of Spies’ (for which he won an Oscar), being close to a deal to play Professor Albus Dumbledore in the series.
Dumbledore, the kindly, mysterious and powerful head of Hogwarts was played by Richard Harris in the first two films, with Michael Gambon taking over the part following Harris’ death.
And Jude Law played the younger Albus in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films (future entries for which Warner Bros. seems to have locked in a magic cabinet following lackluster box office).
On the less solid side, we have Ralph Fiennes –– who was the villainous Voldemort in four of the seven ‘Potter’ movies –– suggesting someone who could take over that character (even though he’s said he’d be willing to return if asked).
“Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.”
We’d add at this point that The Hollywood Reporter’s sources have poured cold water on the idea of Murphy even being considered right now. Which is not to say he isn’t, but that no one wants to talk yet.
The biggest issue for getting more famous –– and therefore busier –– actors involved is the commitment issue; those taking part would likely be contracted for a good 10 years or so. But we can imagine HBO conjuring hefty cash offers to name stars to entice them.
What about the J.K. Rowling issue?
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Potter’ creator and original novelist J.K. Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her negative views on trans people.
This was HBO’s recent statement on the issue:
“Warner Bros. has been working with J.K. Rowling and in the ‘Harry Potter’ business for over 20 years. Her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings. It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being. The verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, it’s appalling. I mean, I can understand a viewpoint that might be angry at what she says about women. But it’s not some obscene, über-right-wing fascist. It’s just a woman saying, ‘I’m a woman and I feel I’m a woman and I want to be able to say that I’m a woman.’ And I understand where she’s coming from. Even though I’m not a woman.”
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ series be on screens?
HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently said that he expects the show to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, which makes sense given that production isn’t likely to start until some point in 2025.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011). Photo: Warner Bros.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise:
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger,Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ (2011)
When a company has a property as lucrative and adaptable as the ‘Harry Potter’ novels, you just know it is going to leverage it to the hilt.
That’s certainly the case with Warner Bros. Discovery (as it is known since the big merger), which has so far pumped out eight main movies, three ‘Fantastic Beasts’ big screen spin-offs, theme parks, websites and more merchandise than you can wave a toy wand at.
Yet while there remains plenty of interest in ‘Potter’, the likes of the ‘Beasts’ movies haven’t been performing the way the company might prefer, nor are they setting fans’ hearts aflame.
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As Warners keeps looking for more, what of streaming service HBO Max, which would benefit from some Potter-based TV content?
Back then, there was little information about exactly what it might be. But from the looks of an update on the story via Bloomberg, things are getting closer to reality.
(L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
There are any number of options for a potential ‘Potter show. For a while, there has been talk of adapting successful stage play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, though there are fears it could cannibalize ticket sales (though let’s be honest, having ‘Hamilton’ on Disney+ hasn’t quenched audiences’ desire to see it live).
Assuming Warners were to get author J.K. Rowling’s permission, there’s scope for a brand new story set in the ‘Potter’ universe, following different characters whose fates are not so set in stone (or paper).
But according to the Bloomberg report, the push appears to be for a new streaming series adaptation of the seven original books. The studio apparently been meeting writers and showrunners to hear concepts for a new take on the novels.
Conceivably, the show could run for seven or more seasons –– with one book per season (and possibly more, given that the movie series split the final tome, ‘The Deathly Hallows’ into two).
A series offers plenty of potential to thoroughly re-imagine the stories for a new audience who have grown up on the books and movies since the originals. And with the expanded freedom of streaming series, elements that had to be dropped to avoid mammoth movie running times can be re-instated.
(L to R) Emma Watson and J. K. Rowling at the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.’
Is JK Rowling aboard?
Rowling is a big consideration here, since A) she has final say on anything adapted from the books and B) is a problematic figure given her views on trans people.
It appears Warners is putting A) ahead of B), in talks with the author to secure her agreement (and have her as creative consultant rather than running the show).
WBD CEO David Zaslav is hoping to announce something about the show next week, having worked with HBO boss Casey Bloys to convince Rowling to agree (we’re envisioning the flying Ford Anglia from the second book with a trunk full of cash here) so now it’s a waiting game to see if it happens.
(L to R) Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.’
Other Movies Similar to ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone:’
