HBO’s Harry Potter Series Starts Filming with Dominic McLaughlin

London — Production has officially started on HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, with filming underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England. The new adaptation aims to faithfully retell J.K. Rowling’s beloved seven-book saga over seven seasons, with a planned premiere in 2027.

Dominic McLaughlin stars as the iconic young wizard Harry Potter, marking a fresh face for the role made famous by Daniel Radcliffe. Alongside McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton has been cast as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will portray Ron Weasley, completing the beloved trio. The show has already released behind-the-scenes photos showcasing McLaughlin in full Hogwarts robes and signature round glasses, delighting fans worldwide.

The series promises a faithful adaptation, with characters portrayed at the ages described in the books, such as a 31-year-old Severus Snape. Notable veteran actors have joined the cast, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Rory Wilmot will appear as Neville Longbottom, and Amos Kitson plays Harry’s cousin Dudley Dursley. Louise Brealey and Anton Lesser take on the roles of Madam Rolanda Hooch and wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, respectively.

Showrunner Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, leads the creative team, with Oscar-winning costume designer Holly Waddington and Killing Eve writer Laura Neal contributing to the production. The series is expected to span a decade, with each season focusing on one of Rowling’s books, bringing new adventures and deeper storytelling to the screen.

HBO CEO Casey Bloys has assured fans of a “faithful adaptation” that honors the original novels. The production team is collaborating with Framestore, the visual effects company behind the original films, to recreate the magical world of Hogwarts with cutting-edge technology.

While Daniel Radcliffe will not reprise his role, he has expressed excitement about the series as a fan. J.K. Rowling remains involved as an executive producer and has praised the scripts, calling the first episodes “SO, SO, SO GOOD!”

The Harry Potter HBO series is set to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2027, promising a new era of magic for longtime fans and newcomers alike.