The Magic Begins: Inside the New Harry Potter TV Series – Cast, Auditions & What to Expect

The Magic Unfolds: Behind-the-Scenes of the New Harry Potter TV Show – Cast, Auditions & What to Expect

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The wizarding world is officially open—and this time, it's even more magical. HBO's Harry Potter TV show is officially underway, and the internet is abuzz with first-look pics, casting announcements, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more. Whether you're a hardcore Potterhead or an imminent newbie, here's everything we have so far— including what it was like to audition, who's getting cast, and when filming begins.

What Was It Like Auditioning for the New Harry Potter TV Show?

Auditioning to play a role as legendary as Harry Potter is not your typical casting process. Casting for the new Golden Trio, according to inside sources, was one of the most frantic international casting searches HBO has ever undertaken.

The child stars were apparently asked to perform scenes from the books, and not the movies. They needed to demonstrate being emotionally complex, having real British accents, and a touch of innocence combined with charisma. The intention? Authenticity. HBO has guaranteed a "faithful adaptation" of J.K. Rowling's books, and they're beginning with the children being cast who actually look like the characters, rather than Hollywood's visions of them.

Parents described the process as gruelling, lengthy, and extremely intimate," with callbacks and screen tests conducted at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden—the same studio where the initial films were made. Thousands tried out, but hardly qualified.

HBO Verifies First Cast for Harry Potter TV Series

Last week, HBO closed the deal: Dominic McLaughlin, who is just 11 years old, will be starring as Harry Potter himself. The first photo of McLaughlin in costume—lightning bolt scar and round glasses and everything—has already got Potterheads in a whirl. The young actor, until recently known for limited-stage work, is now at the helm of the most-hyped series of the decade.

He is joined by:

Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom

Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley

Louise Brealey (Sherlock) as Madam Rolanda Hooch

Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Andor) as Garrick Ollivander

Newcomers will be joined by some major industry names already announced by HBO.

Bafta-Winning Stars Revealed for Harry Potter TV Show

For all the talk of star power. HBO is not only adapting the books—it's filling the cast with some serious A-list talent. Here's who joins the Hogwarts faculty:

John Lithgow (The Crown, Dexter) as Professor Albus Dumbledore

Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) as Rubeus Hagrid

Janet McTeer (Ozark, Tumbleweeds) as Minerva McGonagall

Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project) as Severus Snape

Both of these actors bring not just award-winning heft but a new interpretation to the iconic figures. HBO obviously is trying to mix new juice with old blood—a combination that might take the Harry Potter franchise into a whole new generation.

The Casting of Young Actors in the TV Series of Harry Potter
Who else is joining the spotlight?

 In addition to Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, two other emerging stars have been chosen to play his best friends:

Bertie Griffin as Ron Weasley

Amara Okafor as Hermione Granger

All three child stars were announced last May, and according to sources, their chemistry helped weigh heavily in their casting. They've been getting months of prep – wand handling, on-set coaching, and dialect coaching – to prepare for a seamless entry into the wizarding world.

Harry Potter TV Series to Start Production This Summer

Yes, it is true. Production on Season 1 is underway this summer at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden—the same UK studio where all eight of the original Harry Potter movies were made. Insider gossip leaked out that many sets, such as the Hogwarts Great Hall and Diagon Alley, are already being reconstructed for the new series.

The series will be spaced out over 10 years, one season at a time. HBO Max (soon to be renamed simply Max) has picked up on this 10-year plan, and the story can then develop with so much more depth than was ever an option in the films.

The Look & Feel: More The Crown, Less CGI Mayhem

It's largely behind-the-scenes action that generates most of the buzz. Some top members of Netflix's The Crown team have come on board, including:

Adriano Goldman (Director of Photography)

Cate Hall (Hair and Makeup Designer)

What this means is that the aesthetic of Harry Potter will be more realistic, character-driven, and cinematic. Imagine: sweepingly beautiful landscapes, emotionally intense close-ups, and deeply atmospheric storytelling. Not just magic, but substance.

What Can Fans Look Forward To?

A more in-depth, chapter-by-chapter rendering of the books

Deeper character arcs (yes, we’re finally getting Peeves!)

Diverse casting that reflects modern sensibilities

A combination of fresh-faced newcomers and legendary stars

Longer run times, slower pace, and more character development

A film created for the fans, not only for the box office

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Hogwarts Begins

The Harry Potter HBO show is not a reboot, though—this is a reimagining. It's more than it takes us back to the start of the books and cleans up the vision through which we see them. Having a great cast, respectful production design, and a little time to get into Rowling's world in-depth, this show could be the next pop culture darling.

And with the filming this summer, the countdown to 2027—when Season 1 officially airs—has started. A new witch or wizard, or an old witch or wizard at that, there is something we can all unite and say: magic is back.

Stay Tuned:

Stay tuned for upcoming news on:

Trailer drops

Set announcements

Exclusive interviews

Episode analysis when it airs

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