Harry Potter fans have now gotten a chance to see the first official photos of their new Harry and Hagrid from the upcoming HBO series.
HBO has kicked off production on its highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, a supposedly faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books set to span a decade that has already led to some extreme controversy.
Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
Filming is now underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., the same location where the original films were shot. To mark the occasion, HBO has released the show’s first official photos: one featuring young actor Dominic McLaughlin in his wizarding robes as Harry Potter, and another showcasing Nick Frost as the iconic Rubeus Hagrid.
Dominic McLaughlin in his wizarding robes as Harry Potter, and Nick Frost as the iconic Rubeus Hagrid – HBO
The series is slated for a 2027 premiere on HBO and HBO Max in available markets, including upcoming launches in Germany, Italy, and the U.K.
Richard Harris as Dumbledore in Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone – Max
The first-look photo of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter captures the young newcomer smiling warmly, donning the character’s signature round glasses, Hogwarts school uniform, and flowing wizarding robes.
This marks the first time fans have seen McLaughlin in costume as “the boy who lived,” a role famously originated by Daniel Radcliffe in the 2000s film series.
Nick Frost as Hagrid – HBO
Following closely, the image of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid presents the Shaun of the Dead star as the kindly, half-giant gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor. Frost is depicted in Hagrid’s familiar oversized robes, with a bushy beard and long hair, embodying the character’s warmth, loyalty, and love for magical creatures—a role immortalized by the late Robbie Coltrane in the movies.
Latest Casting Additions and Ensemble Overview
Alongside the images, HBO announced additional casting for key supporting roles, building on previous reveals.
The new additions include Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander and Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch – HBO
This squashes earlier rumors that the wand maker would be played by Doctor Who alum Peter Capaldi.
These varied actors join an already impressive ensemble of established stars and newcomers, such as Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
Draco Malfoy talks to Harry Potter – YouTube, TODAY
Some sources have also reported further castings, such as Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, though these may vary by announcement.
There is also the controversial matter of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, a casting which has stirred a ton of controversy due to a race swap that many argue irreparably changes the story.
The official Harry Potter trio, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Dominic McLaughlin as the titular Harry Potter, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley – HBO
The young leads—McLaughlin, Stout, and Stanton—were chosen from over 30,000 hopefuls, highlighting the extensive search for the perfect Golden Trio.
Behind-the-Scenes Team Bringing the Magic to Life
Behind the scenes, the series boasts a talented team of department heads to bring the magical world to life: Adriano Goldman as director of photography, Cate Hall as hair and makeup designer, Paul Herbert as stunt coordinator, Mark Holt as SFX supervisor, Mara LePere-Schloop as production designer, Naomi Moore as set decorator, John Nolan as creature effects design supervisor, Alexis Wajsbrot as VFX supervisor, Dom Sidoli as VFX producer, and previously announced Holly Waddington as costume designer.
J.K. Rowling via The Rowling Library YouTube
The series is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod executive producing and directing multiple episodes.
J.K. Rowling serves as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
Author J.K. Rowling reads from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the Easter Egg Roll at White House. Screenshot taken from official White House video. Photo Credit: Executive Office of the President, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Produced by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, the show aims to adapt each of the seven books into a full season, diving deeply into the source material. Shooting for Season 1 is expected to continue until spring 2026, with Season 2 following shortly after.
Series Faces Ongoing Controversy
Despite enthusiasm surrounding these initial glimpses, the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape continues to stir controversy and remains unpopular among a significant portion of the fanbase.
Paapa Essiedu performing in Royal Shakespeare’s Hamlet – YouTube, LOWRY
Announced earlier this year, Essiedu’s selection has sparked backlash, with critics labeling it as “forced diversity,” “DEI nonsense,” and the “worst casting of all time,” arguing that it deviates from the book’s description of Snape as pale, hook-nosed, and sallow-skinned.
Some have accused detractors of racial prejudice, a sentiment echoed by original Harry Potter film star Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy and defended Essiedu as “one of the best actors I’ve ever seen,” urging fans to reserve judgment until seeing his performance.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 – YouTube, MovieClips
Rumors of Essiedu being fired due to public pressure or objections from Rowling have circulated but appear unfounded, with the author confirming she couldn’t “sack” him and wouldn’t even if she could despite his public opposition to her views on gender politics.
Severus Snape holds the body of Lilly Potter as baby Harry Potter looks on – YouTube, MovieClips
While Essiedu is praised for his talent in roles like I May Destroy You and Black Mirror, the debate highlights ongoing tensions between fidelity to the source material and diverse representation in adaptations.
How do you feel about these Harry Potter production photos? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
HAHAHAHAHA this already looks HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!
The kid playing Harry looks like a Girl, and also he looks EXACTLY like Rachel Dratch when she played Harry in the SNL Skit.
It’s the same Skit where Lindsay Lohan played Hermione.
Danny Radcliffe was cute and dorky. This kid is full on dork. Like he still eats strained peas. Not cool.
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