The Wizarding World is preparing for a major revival as HBO's new Harry Potter series gears up for filming in the summer of 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that the reboot will bring the beloved story back to the iconic Leavesden Studios, where the original films were produced. Showrunners and fans alike are buzzing with excitement, particularly with news that a staggering 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, signaling the series’ ambition to introduce a fresh generation to the magic of Hogwarts.

During a presentation at Warner Bros. Discovery headquarters in London, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod shared insights into the casting process. Currently, the casting team is reviewing between 500 and 1,000 audition tapes per day, meticulously combing through each one in hopes of finding the right young actors to portray the iconic trio. "We intend to watch every single tape," Mylod stated, emphasizing their commitment to discovering raw talent and doing justice to the cherished characters.

The next step for the production team is to workshop with shortlisted candidates in January, giving potential leads the chance to inhabit the magical roles that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Gardiner emphasized that the show will stay true to the ages of the characters as they were in the books. Severus Snape, for instance, is expected to be in his 30s, while James and Lily Potter will be portrayed as being in their early 20s, just as they were when they tragically died. The producers also hinted that they are interested in casting notable U.K. theatre actors for the adult roles, maintaining a tradition that the original movies upheld, while newcomers will take on the young characters.

The scope of the upcoming Harry Potter series is ambitious, spanning a decade in the same manner as J.K. Rowling’s original books. Gardiner expressed her enthusiasm for the unique opportunity this series presents to "really dig into character arcs." She emphasized that exploring Hogwarts from different angles, particularly the lives of its faculty, was a top priority. "We want to know more about the professors—the beloved and the feared alike," she said, indicating that this series will give a deeper look into the lives of characters that were previously only touched upon in the movies. Director Mark Mylod, known for his dynamic storytelling approach, echoed this sentiment. He explained that their goal was not to rewrite the movies but to evolve them, offering fans something that feels familiar yet expanded.

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The visuals will also play a major part in bringing this new series to life. "We don’t want to mess with the Great Hall," Mylod noted, acknowledging the iconic nature of Hogwarts’ centerpiece, "but we do want to expand upon the architecture of Hogwarts and show how it has changed over time." Fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and fresh world-building as the familiar halls of Hogwarts get a new life on the small screen.

The Harry Potter series was officially announced in April 2023, with the major headline being that it will feature an entirely new cast. In September, Warner Bros. opened a casting call for the series’ beloved lead roles, reiterating their dedication to inclusive and diverse casting. While fans eagerly await news on who will step into the shoes of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Variety has reported that Mark Rylance is on the casting wishlist for the role of Albus Dumbledore—a casting choice that has already sparked excitement among Potterheads.

Despite the high anticipation, the journey to bring Harry Potter back to the screen has not been without its controversies. Author J.K. Rowling, who remains involved in the project, has been the subject of significant backlash for her views on transgender rights. However, HBO has stood by her, stating that Rowling has a right to express her views while assuring fans that her involvement is focused solely on the development of the series. "We remain focused on bringing this new series to life, which can only benefit from her unique insight into the world she created," HBO said in a statement. Casey Bloys, HBO’s Chief Content Officer, reiterated this at Thursday’s presentation, mentioning that he was "totally comfortable" with Rowling’s involvement.

The London showcase also featured glimpses of other major HBO projects, setting the stage for what’s to come in 2025. Fans were treated to previews of The White Lotus Season 3, The Last of Us Season 2, and a sneak peek at Game of Thrones spinoff Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The event had an atmosphere of high energy and anticipation, yet nothing seemed to captivate the audience as much as the promise of a new journey back to Hogwarts.

With filming slated to start next summer, excitement is at an all-time high. Fans have been reassured that this new adaptation aims to be both a nostalgic homage and a bold reimagining, honoring the legacy of the original films while adding new depth and detail to the universe of Harry Potter. As the casting process moves forward and the production wheels begin turning, it’s clear that this series is positioning itself as one of the biggest television events of the decade.