Film & TV3 min(s) read
Published 07:52 19 May 2026 GMT
The HBO Harry Potter TV show has suffered a blow after Gracie Cochrane, who plays Ginny Weasley, left the show because of ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
That means that she will have to be replaced for season two, as filming for season one has already wrapped.
The show has attracted quite a bit of attention, what with the money that has been spent on it, the high-profile actors who are involved, and the controversial involvement and views of Harry Potter writer JK Rowling.
So, this latest blow coming before release can’t be ideal for those responsible for the series.
Gracie Cochrane, the young actor who plays Ginny Weasley - no spoilers, but she’s a pretty important character down the stretch - is leaving the show and won’t return for the second season.
That’s according to a statement from both HBO and Cochrane’s family released on May 18.
The family said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances,
"Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one."
However, the family were quick to say that the experience on the show had been positive, and that she’ll be back for future projects.
The statement continues: “Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to [casting director] Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience,
“Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”
This all means that the part will have to be recast ahead of series two, where Ginny’s character really comes to the fore.
For its part, HBO said that they are totally behind Cochrane’s decision to leave.
“We support Gracie Cochrane and her family’s decision not to return for the next season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, and we are grateful for her work on season one of the show. We wish Gracie and her family the best.”
Filming for the second season is expected to start later this year after HBO renewed the series.
The titular young wizard in this new show is played by Dominic McLaughlin, with Alastair Stout taking on the role of his best friend Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton playing Hermione Granger.
Draco Malfoy, Potter’s mortal enemy, is played by Lox Pratt, while Albus Dumbledore is played by John Lithgow and Severus Snape by Paapa Essiedu.
Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost plays gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid and Professor McGonagall is played by Janet McTeer.
