HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Series Begins Search for Young Stars

HBO is embarking on a highly anticipated project to adapt J.K. Rowling’s iconic “Harry Potter” series into a television format. The new series aims to be a faithful retelling of the beloved books, with each of the seven installments being adapted into a separate season. This ambitious project has now opened a casting call in the U.K. and Ireland, seeking young actors to take on the pivotal roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. This open casting call is targeted at children who will be aged between 9 and 11 by April 2025. Interested candidates are required to submit two self-tape auditions: one should include a brief personal introduction, and the other should feature the actor performing a short story or poem. Eligibility for this casting call is restricted to residents of the U.K. or Ireland, emphasizing the show’s commitment to local talent.

The announcement of the series in April 2023 set the stage for a detailed rollout of information about the project. A notable aspect of the production is the involvement of an Emmy award-winning director, who has been appointed to executive produce and direct several episodes. Francesca Gardiner, a producer known for her work on “Succession” and “His Dark Materials,” has been named as the show-runner, bringing her expertise to the project. Mark Mylod, celebrated for his direction on “Game of Thrones” and “Succession,” as well as the Golden Globe-nominated film “The Menu,” will also play a significant role. Mylod, alongside Gardiner, will serve as an executive producer, with Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman of Heyday Films also involved in the production. Mylod is set to direct several episodes, promising a high level of directorial quality and continuity throughout the series, which is scheduled to be released over the next decade.

As of now, no specific casting decisions or writing details have been announced, nor has an official premiere date been set. However, the series is expected to debut on HBO and the Warner Bros. Discovery Max streaming service in 2026. This long-anticipated adaptation is expected to offer a deeper and more comprehensive exploration of the “Harry Potter” universe than the original films. Rowling has praised HBO for its commitment to preserving the books’ integrity and believes that the extended format will allow for greater detail and depth, addressing some of the limitations faced by the films.

Interestingly, Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley in the original film series, also participated in the casting process for the new series. After learning about the open casting call from a Newsround report, Grint submitted a video audition featuring an original rap performance, showcasing his continued enthusiasm and connection to the “Harry Potter” franchise. This unusual move highlights the enduring impact of the series and the strong ties that former cast members have to the material.

A significant point of interest will be how closely the new series adheres to the original books, given that the films were criticized for leaving out crucial plot points and character details. For example, the films did not include Hermione Granger’s establishment of the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, which is a significant part of her character’s development. The omission of Peeves the Poltergeist, a character who provides comic relief in the books, also left a gap for some fans. Furthermore, various minor details were altered, such as Harry Potter’s donation of his Triwizard Tournament winnings to the Weasley twins and the misidentification of the student leading “Dumbledore’s Army” in the films. The series will have the opportunity to address these omissions and present a more comprehensive adaptation.

The series’ logline promises a fresh take on the story, aiming to capture the fantastic detail and beloved characters that have engaged fans for over twenty-five years. Each season is expected to introduce “Harry Potter” and its magical adventures to new audiences globally, preserving the essence of Rowling’s creation while exploring it in a new format.

The “Harry Potter” series began with the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (or “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the U.K.) in 1997. Over the next decade, J.K. Rowling published six more books, making the series one of the best-selling in history, with over 500 million copies sold in 80 languages. The film adaptations, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, achieved massive success, grossing $2.39 billion domestically across eight movies. In addition to the films, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” a stage play set 19 years after the original series, premiered in London and on Broadway, while the “Fantastic Beasts” film series, launched in 2016, further explored the wizarding world and has grossed $489 million domestically. With this new HBO series, fans are eager to see how the magic of “Harry Potter” will be reimagined and whether it will bring new dimensions to the cherished story.