The wait is over — the Wizarding World is back in production. HBO has officially released the first look at the new Harry Potter TV series, confirming that filming is underway and the series is on track for a 2027 release date.
In a newly released production still, the new Boy Who Lived — donning round glasses, a Hogwarts robe, and a lightning-bolt scar — stands on Platform 9¾, ready to board the Hogwarts Express. The image marks the world’s first glimpse of the recast Harry Potter, played by “Dominic Mclaughlin” young actor selected after a global casting search.
A New Era Begins for the Wizarding World
HBO’s reboot of J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter series is being developed as a multi-season epic, with each season adapting one of the original seven books. The studio has promised a faithful and detailed retelling, using the extended format of television to explore characters, plotlines, and magical lore in ways the original films couldn’t.
“We are thrilled to introduce a new generation of fans to the magic of Hogwarts,” said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content. “This will be the definitive adaptation of the Harry Potter books.”
Involvement of J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation remains true to the books’ tone and themes. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav emphasized Rowling’s involvement as crucial to preserving the “core spirit of the franchise.”
However, her participation has also sparked controversy, given public backlash over her past comments. HBO has promised a thoughtful, inclusive approach to the production.
Filming Begins, Cast Under Wraps
Filming kicked off earlier this year at newly constructed sets in the UK, including a massive recreation of Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest.
While the full cast remains unannounced, sources confirm that the main trio — Harry, Ron, and Hermione — has been finalized and are currently filming early school-year scenes. The actors are all newcomers, chosen to grow with the characters over the planned ten-year series run.
A 2027 Release Date Set
HBO has officially set 2027 as the premiere year for Season 1, with additional seasons to follow annually or biannually depending on production timelines. The first season will focus on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, diving deep into Harry’s discovery of his magical identity and first year at Hogwarts.
What’s Different This Time?
The HBO Max series promises a more mature tone and expanded storytelling, bringing to life beloved details that were omitted from the films — from Peeves the Poltergeist to S.P.E.W., and more nuanced portrayals of characters like Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Dobby.
J.K. Rowling is serving as executive producer, alongside a new creative team led by veteran HBO showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession). The writers’ room has pledged to remain loyal to the source material while introducing modern cinematic storytelling techniques.
Fans React to the First Look
The release of the first image has sparked excitement and debate across social media. Longtime fans are both nostalgic and cautiously optimistic, while newcomers to the franchise are eager to experience the story through fresh eyes.
With sets, costumes, and magical effects already in motion, Warner Bros. is positioning this project as its flagship fantasy franchise — on par with House of the Dragon and The Last of Us in scale and ambition.
Bottom Line: With filming now underway and a 2027 release date confirmed, the HBO Harry Potter series is no longer just a rumor — it’s real, and it’s happening. A new Boy Who Lived ‘Dominic McLaughlin‘ has officially stepped into the spotlight, and the magical journey is just beginning.
