HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot Begins Filming: First Look, Cast, and All You Need to Know: HBO officially began production on its highly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation on July 14, 2025, confirming filming has kicked off at Warner Bros.

Studios Leavesden in the UK. Alongside the announcement, HBO unveiled a first-look image of Dominic McLaughlin in full costume as Harry Potter, complete with round glasses and the iconic lightning bolt scar.

New Faces in Familiar Roles

• Dominic McLaughlin takes on the role of Harry Potter, sporting a classic Gryffindor look with updated costume details.

• Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton play Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, joining after an extensive casting search across the UK.

• Additional cast members include:

  • Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom

  • Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch

  • Anton Lesser as Ollivander

  • John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

  • Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley

The casting balances fresh talent with seasoned actors, promising emotional depth and strong performances.

A Visual Reimagination

The first look shows McLaughlin’s Harry in school robes similar to those worn by Daniel Radcliffe, but with updated styling—such as a slightly darker sweater and new tie design.

The lightning bolt scar remains iconic but is positioned slightly differently, hinting at a subtle reimagining rather than a drastic departure.

One Season per Book: A Long-Term Commitment

HBO plans to produce seven seasons, one for each of J.K. Rowling’s novels, with deeper exploration into characters and subplots skipped in the original films.

The goal is a faithful, detailed adaptation that unfolds over the next decade.

Creative Team and Global Release

The series is led by Francesca Gardiner (Succession) as showrunner and Mark Mylod (Game of Thrones) as director. Executive producers include J.K.

Rowling, David Heyman, and Ruth Kenley-Letts. The show is expected to premiere in 2027 on HBO, with global distribution through HBO Max.

Early Reactions and Expectations

Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have reacted with cautious optimism. Some praised the visual continuity with the films, while others noted how emotionally complex it feels to see new faces in such iconic roles.

It’s like stepping into a familiar house, but someone else is living there now,” wrote one fan.

Conclusion

HBO’s Harry Potter series is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious TV projects of the decade. With a fresh cast, veteran creatives, and a promise to honor the source material in greater depth, the reboot is generating strong anticipation. As filming moves forward, the Wizarding World prepares to welcome a new generation of fans—and perhaps, win over the old ones too.