No one may have asked for it, but it’s certainly happening. HBO’s Harry Potter series is officially in development, and is now looking to cast its main trio; Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. The upcoming remake will take seven seasons to cover all seven books, which means new cast members will truly grow along with the release of the series. A recent casting call for the small screen adaptation of the iconic children’s fantasy book series leaves the three starring roles open for a truly diverse range of candidates.
HBO has officially sent out the casting sheet for its main characters (via Variety), revealing that they are looking at every kind of candidate for each role. According to the sheet, they are committed to “inclusive, diverse” casting, and want every kind of qualified performer to submit tapes. Unless they specifically state otherwise, all children who will be between the ages 9-11 in April 2025 (presumably when they film), will be considered for each role. The official casting call reads:
“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.”
Who is Behind the Harry Potter Remake?
Succession‘s Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner for HBO’s Harry Potter, while Mark Mylod (also a Succession alum) will direct several episodes of the remake. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will not be reprising their roles from the original films, nor will any other cast member. The series is strictly based on the books, and not the movie series, though it is hard to imagine it not borrowing some iconic elements (like music). Author J.K. Rowling will have some involvement in the series, much to the disappointment of die-hard Harry Potter fans. Despite her never-ending controversies, and the fact she was not even present for the movie reunion, Rowling seems to still be attached to everything Harry Potter-related.
It will be hard to live up to expectations of an excellent Harry Potter adaptation, especially when an eight-part movie franchise has already met them. No matter the case, the HBO series is definitely moving forward, so it’s a matter of time before fans learn who will now portray the main trio. The fact that Rowling is an executive producer on the series, amidst her constant transphobic comments on social media, is certainly still a vital point of contention for many longtime fans. Despite promises by the HBO CEO that the show has nothing to do with her transphobia, there remains an uneasy feeling regarding her involvement.
HBO’s
Harry Potter
show is expected to bow out on the channel in 2026.
