‘Harry Potter’ Series Begins Filming at HBO, Unveils New Cast and 2027 Premiere Date

The magic is back at Hogwarts as HBO’s highly anticipated “Harry Potter” series officially kicks off production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. — almost exactly 14 years after “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” marked the end of the iconic film saga.

Fans eager for a glimpse of the next chapter in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world can now get their first look at Dominic McLaughlin in the title role, complete with Harry’s signature round glasses and Gryffindor school uniform.

McLaughlin is joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, with the three young stars chosen from an extensive casting search that saw over 30,000 hopefuls audition last fall.

Monday’s announcement also introduced several new faces to the magical ensemble: Rory Wilmot will portray Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson steps in as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey joins as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser takes on the role of wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.

HBO confirmed the series is set to debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max where available.

Helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod (best known for “Succession”), the new adaptation will retell the story of Harry Potter as he learns he’s a wizard, leaves his non-magical relatives behind, and embarks on his journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Alongside Ron and Hermione, Harry will face off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.

The star-studded cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Additional casting features Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. Variety previously reported that Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will play Petunia and Vernon Dursley.

Each of the seven Harry Potter novels will be adapted into a full season of the series. Production on the first season is scheduled to run through spring 2026, with a brief hiatus before filming resumes for season two.

The creative team includes costume designer Holly Waddington, director of photography Adriano Goldman, hair and makeup designer Cate Hall, stunt coordinator Paul Herbert, SFX supervisor Mark Holt, production designer Mara LePere-Schloop, set decorator Naomi Moore, creature effects supervisor John Nolan, VFX supervisor Alexis Wajsbrot, and VFX producer Dom Sidoli.

Francesca Gardiner pens the series and serves as executive producer, with Mark Mylod also executive producing and directing several episodes.

The show is produced by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, with J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts (Brontë), and David Heyman (Heyday Films) also executive producing.