Whether or not this reboot can live up to its legacy remains to be seen. But for now, the magic is back in motion. And yes, like most, we’re hopeful!
When HBO announced a full reboot of the Harry Potter series—not a spin-off, not a prequel, but a from-scratch remake of the original books—my first reaction was somewhere between “Wait, what?” and “Okay… but why?” As someone who has read all seven books, seen all eight movies, and I’m still not sure why this is happening.
Like many fans who grew up to midnight-book-release deep in this universe, I didn’t feel like we needed this. The books are still right there, and the movies (flaws and all) gave us something special. Alan Rickman is the Snape. Daniel Radcliffe is Harry. It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing these beloved roles. But as casting announcements roll in and the show edges closer to production, I’m finding myself kind of curious. And my curiosity is quietly winning over cynicism.
Here’s what we know about the upcoming Max Original:
When is this happening? Not for a while. Filming hasn’t even started yet, but it’s set to begin this summer, with a possible premiere sometime in 2027.
Where is it filming? Back at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK, the same place the original movies were shot. So at least the vibes will be familiar.
Now, who’s been cast?
The new cast includes some big names. John Lithgow—known for The Crown, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and a recent Olivier-winning turn as Roald Dahl—will play Albus Dumbledore. Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project) has been cast as Severus Snape. Janet McTeer (Ozark, The Menu) will take on Minerva McGonagall, while Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) steps into the boots of Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon joins as Quirinus Quirrell, and comedy veteran Paul Whitehouse will play caretaker Argus Filch.
The three leads, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, haven’t been announced yet, but an open casting call last fall drew more than 30,000 submissions.
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Is the original cast involved?
Almost certainly not. Daniel Radcliffe has politely bowed out (“I’m not seeking it out in any way”), and Emma Watson and Rupert Grint haven’t said much publicly. With several beloved cast members gone, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, and Robbie Coltrane among them, it’s hard not to feel the emotional gap. Tom Felton has hinted he might sneak in as a background extra, which is the exact level of chaotic energy you’d expect from a grown Draco Malfoy.
Each season is supposed to follow one book. The films had to rush through so much, and there’s a lot the movies just didn’t have time to cover. Like Peeves Or S.P.E.W. or the full, messy backstory of Tom Riddle. They’re calling it a “faithful adaptation,” though what that really means is… we’ll see.
For fans who grew up with the books and the movies, it’s hard not to feel a little protective, at least for me. Alan Rickman was Snape. Daniel Radcliffe is Harry. It’s not about gatekeeping, it’s that these actors helped shape how we saw these characters, and they stuck. We grew up with them and watching someone else wear those robes hits differently.
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Is J.K. Rowling involved?
Behind the scenes, the creative team includes Succession writer Francesca Gardiner as showrunner, and Mark Mylod, who directed some of that show’s episodes, is also on board. The original Harry Potter producers are part of it too. And yes, J.K. Rowling is still attached as an executive producer.
That part is… complicated. Her public comments over the past few years have split the fandom in ways that are hard to ignore, especially around trans rights. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all spoken out against her views. HBO hasn’t really addressed any of it directly, they’ve mostly kept the focus on the books and how “timeless” the story is.
Harry Potter for a new generation?
For those who lived through the book launches, the fan forums, the first time the Hogwarts Express pulled into the station, Harry Potter is complete. But there’s a whole new generation now, one that may experience this world not through paperback or DVD box sets, but streaming drops and episode recaps.
Whether or not this reboot can live up to its legacy remains to be seen. But for now, the magic is back in motion. And yes, like most, we’re hopeful!
