HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ TV Show: Cast, Plot, Release Date, What to Know

A “Harry Potter” TV show is in the works.

Warner Bros. Discovery first confirmed its plans to expand the wizarding world with a TV series at a press event in LA in April 2023.

The untitled “Harry Potter” series was originally planned for release on its streaming service, HBO Max (formerly Max), but will now be branded as an HBO original. It will feature a new cast and introduce a new generation to the wizarding world franchise created by author J.K. Rowling. 

Here’s everything we know so far about the show.

The series will be a ‘faithful adaptation of the beloved original Harry Potter books’

“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, said in a press release. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.” The series will “dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”

In the same release, Rowling said: “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.”

Francesca Gardiner will be the showrunner and J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer 

Gardiner’s previous credits include “Succession,” “His Dark Materials,” and “Killing Eve.”

Mark Mylod, most recently recognized for his work on “Succession,” will direct multiple episodes of the show. 

The show’s executive producers include Gardiner, Mylod, Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts. “Harry Potter” franchise producer David Heyman is also in talks to executive produce.

Users on X took to the platform to criticize Max for its decision to involve Rowling, who has been accused of making transphobic comments, in the project. 

Max did not respond to a previous request for comment. 

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger will be played by Hollywood newcomers

Thousands of young actors auditioned for the coveted roles of the three wizards central to the “Harry Potter” franchise as part of an open casting call.

In May, HBO announced that it had cast relatively unknown actors Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.

“The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen,” Gardiner, the showrunner, and Mylod, an executive producer, said in a statement. “We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”

The cast for the ‘Harry Potter’ series also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

In April, HBO confirmed six actors who have been cast as series regulars.

John Lithgow will star as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts. The actor is known for roles in “Terms of Endearment,” “The Old Man,” “The Crown,” and “Dexter.” He most recently starred in the Oscar contender “Conclave.”

“Ozark” actor Janet McTeer will play Minerva McGonagall, “I May Destroy You” breakout star Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape, and actor-comedian Nick Frost will star as Rubeus Hagrid.

Meanwhile, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse will have guest/recurring roles as Quirinus Quirrell and Argus Filch, respectively.

The show is eyeing a release in 2026

Warner Bros.’ eight “Harry Potter” films comprise one of the studio’s most successful franchises, grossing over $7 billion worldwide at the box office. The TV show, which is aiming to release in 2026, will stream on the service in the US and globally. 

In December, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the show will start filming in Leavesden, where the previous “Harry Potter” movies were made, in the summer of 2025.

WB Discovery CEO David Zaslav shared details about the expected debut during an earnings call in February 2024, per The Hollywood Reporter. Zaslav said that he, Bloys, and WBD TV chief Channing Dungey met with Rowling and her team to discuss the show.

“Both sides are thrilled to be reigniting this franchise,” Zaslav said. “Our conversations were great, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world.”

This story was originally published in April 2023 and has been updated to reflect recent developments. Kirsten Acuna contributed to an earlier version of this story.