Update: First look at Harry now revealed below! Or click here for a first look at Hagrid!
Will the TV adaptation be faithful to the Harry Potter books?
Yep! The show has promised to be "authentic to the original books", but that is not to say the show won’t feature things we didn’t see in the films. In a statement, J.K. Rowling said she was looking forward to allowing for a “degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series” – so we would certainly hope the series will unturn new stones we didn’t get to see from the films.
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content, added that the series would “deep dive into each of the iconic books”, while showrunner Francesca Gardiner promises we will see "things we haven't seen". She also spoke about staying true to the canonical ages of the characters ("Snape is 31 in 1991, so it's a very different vibe") while director Mark Mylod was keen to dig into the "depths and crevices" of Hogwarts.
Who is directing the show?
Mark Mylod (who has also lent his talents to the likes of Succession alongside episodes of Game of Thrones in the past) will serve as both Executive Producer and direct multiple episodes.
Who is the showrunner?
That would be the aforementioned Francesca Gardiner, who will serve as showrunner for the series. She is a self-confessed Harry Potter mega-fan, and has worked on previous HBO series, Succession.
Where will the show be filmed?
The wizarding world is going back to its roots, returning to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden for filming.
When will production start?
Update! Production has now kicked off!
What will the show be called?
That, we do not know yet. Although we welcome you to speculate! Probably something to do with that Harry Potter lad, if we had to guess.
What will J.K. Rowling's involvement be?
J.K. Rowling will serve as one of the executive producers on the series.
She will be joined by fellow executive producers Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, David Heyman of Heyday Films. Francesca Gardiner (showrunner) also serves as executive producer alongside director Mark Mylod.
Who will star in the show?
Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton is Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will take on Ron Weasley!
John Lithgow is confirmed as Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Harry’s future mentor. Lithgow is a 6-time Emmy winner, 2-time Tony winner and a BAFTA and Oscar nominee. Most recently, he won the 2025 Best Actor Oliver Award for his role in the West End theatre production, Giant.
Tony, Golden Globe and Olivier winner and Oscar and Emmy nominee Janet McTeer will portray Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House, Professor McGonagall.
Paapa Essiedu who was Emmy and BAFTA nominated for his turn in comedy-drama I May Destroy You, takes on the surly Potions Professor, Severus Snape, while BIFA nominated actor Nick Frost will be taking on the mantle of beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Theatre performer Luke Thallon is playing Quirinus Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in Harry’s first year, while five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse, perhaps best known for UK sketch series The Fast Show, plays Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch.
Warwick Davis is set to reprise his role as the beloved Professor Filius Flitwick, marking his homecoming to the wizarding world in the role he originated for the films.
Sirine Saba plays Professor Sprout and Richard Durden is Professor Cuthbert Binns, marking the first time we’ll get to meet the ghostly History of Magic teacher onscreen. Plus, the Hogwarts Hospital Wing is now fully staffed, as Bríd Brennan takes on the role of Madam Poppy Pomfrey.
Molly Weasley will be played by BAFTA winner Katherine Parkinson. Joining this wizarding family are Tristan Harland, Gabriel Harland, Ruari Spooner and Gracie Cochrane, who will be taking on the roles of Fred, George, Percy and Ginny Weasley respectively.
Draco and Lucius Malfoy will be played by Lox Pratt and Johnny Flynn respectively.
Joining the cast of Hogwarts students are Leo Earley, who will play Seamus Finnigan, while Elijah Oshin plays his best friend, Dean Thomas. Alessia Leoni takes on fellow Gryffindor housemate, Parvati Patil and Sienna Moosah will play Lavender Brown. Rory Wilmot is playing Neville Longbottom.
The Slytherin house table is filling up too, as we welcome three more Hogwarts students, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe and William Nash as Gregory Goyle.
Bel Powley has been cast as Petunia Dursley with BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby joining her as Vernon Dursley. Amos Kitson plays their son, Dudley Dursley!
Meanwhile, double Olivier and Tony Award winning performer Bertie Carvel will be portraying Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
Louise Brealey is Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser is portraying the great wandmaker, Garrick Ollivander.
Gringotts’ Bank has gained an employee, with the announcement that Leigh Gill has been cast as the goblin, Griphook.
The show promises to feature “a new cast for a new generation”, with more names to come.
Who is on the creative team?
There is much excitement happening behind the camera as well, with the creative department heads for the series now confirmed as follows: Adriano Goldman (Director of Photography), Cate Hall (Hair and Makeup Designer), Paul Herbert (Stunt Coordinator), Mark Holt (SFX Supervisor), Mara LePere-Schloop (Production Designer), Naomi Moore (Set Decorator), John Nolan (Creature Effects Design Supervisor), Alexis Wajsbrot (VFX Supervisor), Dom Sidoli (VFX Producer), and Holly Waddington (Costume Designer).
How long will the series be?
Although we don’t know exactly, the original announcement described the show as being a “decade-long series”, which should keep us busy for a while!
Which Harry Potter characters are confirmed to be appearing in the show?
Check out the casting news above for the most up-to-date list of confirmed characters! We also know Peeves will be involved...
How can we find out more about the show before anyone else?
We promise to keep you abreast of any news the moment we have it. The best way to get the hottest Harry Potter updates straight away is by signing up to our newsletter,which will deliver any scoops to you faster than an owl.
All of this TV talk is getting me in the mood to re-watch the films. Where can I catch up?
We’ve put together a helpful guide documenting how you can stream Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts wherever you are in the world!
When will the show be out?
The series will debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max where it’s available, including in upcoming launch markets Germany, Italy and the UK.
Streaming service HBO Max is available in many territories across the world - and you can find out the most recent rollout plans here.
