a new era for harry potter fans

A deeper look at what's next for the franchise

ARTS AND CULTURE | October 2025

In January 2023, Warner Brothers Studios announced the start of development for a new era for Harry Potter fans: an HBO exclusive, decade-long adaptation of the original books and movies.

This series would promise a full reimagining of the Harry Potter universe and possibly give characters that never saw the screen in the earlier films some time to shine, such as Charlie Weasley.

After the four-month-long selection process for writers and directors of the series came to a close, the casting for major roles began towards the end of 2024.

Over 30,000 actors and actresses were reviewed for the role. In May 2025, the roles for Harry, Ron, and Hermione were revealed with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione. Later, more casting was revealed for roles, such as the Dursleys, Draco Malfoy, and many others. A full cast can be viewed on IMDb.  

The 10-year-filming process of this series gives it a more unique take on the original films because the characters will age as time goes on more naturally, making their character development much more real to viewers.

This could also lead to viewers having a much closer connection to the main trio as time progresses.  Filming of the series began in early 2025 at the London Zoo and images from the filming were shown online on multiple social media platforms. Notably, a section of King’s Cross Station in London was closed for a short period during filming in August. Further images of what is reportedly Privet Drive were also shown on British news outlets, confirming that the production team is not reusing major sets from the films. Additionally, there is an image of what fans are speculating to be the construction of Diagon Alley. A map of speculated Harry Potter set construction can be found on TheSun.

 In September 2025, HBO announced that Warwick Davis would be resuming his role as Professor Flitwick in the new series. Something about this didn't add up for fans as Warner Bros. had spent the last few months building a new cast for the series. This speculation has led to what is perhaps the most anticipated aspect of the series: the idea that this isn't the same universe as the films and that the series takes place in a different universe where only some characters remain consistent. This theory, not only could explain the differences from the books to the films but could also explain in-universe differences in the game Hogwarts Legacy. 

Users on Reddit posted leaked concept art for the Common Room, Diagon Alley, and the Great Hall. Many online fans voiced concern about the similarities between the films and this concept art. Some say that Warner Bros. would be careful to stray too far from the films because it could make existing theme parks feel older or obsolete. 

One Reddit user said that "this looks like the safest, blandest way to adapt the books visually" while another called it a corny imitation remake. J.K Rowling voiced her opinion on the series in an X statement: "I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!" Part of this positive feedback could very well stem from the fact that Rowling worked closely with the writers of the series. Rowling said she "worked closely with the extremely talented writers." 

Until the expected release of the first season in 2027, fans can only hope Rowling's enthusiasm is mirrored in their reactions as well.