Anticipation for the new Harry Potter series is growing, and fans have been given a look at the new leading character.
HBO has kicked off production on its long-awaited Harry Potter TV reboot, with the first image of young Dominic McLaughlin suited up as the Boy Who Lived.
The 11-year-old actor, cast as Harry Potter after a massive talent search, will lead a brand-new adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s iconic book series, which is expected to span ten years and seven seasons.
The fresh series, described by HBO as “a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling,” began filming at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire — the same legendary lot where all eight films were originally shot.
The first season is slated to arrive in 2027, giving fans plenty of time to re-read the novels or revisit the original films, per BBC News.
HBO CEO Casey Bloys confirmed the debut timeline, stating the reboot would give each book room to breathe in a way the films couldn’t.
Casting announcements have been rolling out over the past few months. Joining McLaughlin in the core trio are Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The three young stars were chosen from a staggering 30,000 auditions.
While the new images of McLaughlin in costume have delighted fans, some have made a very similar observation.
The costume is very noticeably Harry Potter, but fans have clocked that his scar is a lot more natural-looking than the original movies.
One person commented: "His jumper is a different colour, and he has a more natural scar."
A second said: "I actually like the look of the scar it’s more realistic and natural looking."
It's good to see that they're keeping things faithful to the original while adding some subtle new differences!
Beyond the trio, the series is stacking up an impressive cast. John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, while Nick Frost steps in as the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.
HBO has recently released an image of Frost as Hagrid, too! Take a look:
Janet McTeer takes on Professor Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, and new additions include Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, per the Independent.
On the creative side, the show is bringing in experienced talent, including director of photography Adriano Goldman and hair and makeup designer Cate Hall — both known for their work on The Crown.
As anticipation builds, Rowling has already weighed in with early praise. In a post on X, she shared: “I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!”
When asked if she was writing the scripts, Rowling replied: “No, but I’ve worked closely with the extremely talented writers.”