Production on HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series has officially begun, with the first image of the lead actor in costume released to mark the milestone. Eleven-year-old Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin has been revealed as the new face of Harry Potter, capturing global attention as he steps into the iconic role.
Based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved fantasy novels, the series promises a more detailed and faithful adaptation than the original films, which spanned eight blockbuster movies. Unlike the films, this TV adaptation is expected to unfold over the span of 10 years, allowing ample time to delve into the rich nuances of the books.
Several major cast announcements accompanied the release of McLaughlin’s image. Rory Wilmot will portray Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. They join a star-studded lineup including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
The three young actors playing Harry’s best friends, Ron and Hermione, were announced earlier in May, completing the central trio.
Filming is taking place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire—the same location used for the original film series, creating a nostalgic link between the two versions.
The newly announced production staff includes industry veterans like Adriano Goldman as director of photography and Cate Hall as hair and makeup designer, both known for their work on The Crown.
HBO reiterated that the upcoming series will be "a faithful adaptation of the iconic books," giving fans reason to anticipate a deeper look at characters and storylines. The first season is slated to premiere in 2027.
