HBO begins casting for new Harry Potter TV series

HBO has officially started the hunt for the next Harry, Ron, and Hermione as the Harry Potter series gears up.

Scheduled to debut in 2026, the upcoming Harry Potter TV series will span a decade, with each season dedicated to one of J.K. Rowling’s seven books.

The series was confirmed last year during the Warner Bros. Discovery presentation. Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, expressed excitement.

“We are thrilled to offer audiences a new way to experience Hogwarts. Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon with an enduring love for the Wizarding World.”

Partnering with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series aims to explore each iconic book in detail, a treat for long-time fans.

Details about the reboot remain scarce, but Harry Potter’s official Instagram announced an open casting call today. They are seeking children aged 9 to 11 to audition for the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Applicants must be residents of the UK or Ireland and aged 9-11 in April 2025, suggesting production will start then.

HBO’s open casting approach mirrors the original films’ process. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who portrayed Ron and Hermione, were discovered through similar calls, with Watson auditioning via her school. The studio hopes to replicate the success they had over 20 years ago with Grint, Watson, and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry).

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed the series’ 2026 release on Max (formerly HBO Max) and mentioned ongoing meetings with Rowling and Warner Bros. executives. “Both sides are excited to reignite this franchise,” Zaslav said during the Q4 earnings call.

J.K. Rowling, in a 2023 statement, shared her enthusiasm for exploring her books in a long-form TV series. “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is crucial, and I’m eager to be part of this adaptation, allowing for a depth and detail only possible in a long-form series,” she added.