Warner Bros. has provided insights into its highly anticipated “Harry Potter” television series, set to debut on Max in 2026. Announced during a Max 2025 slate presentation, director Mark Mylod and showrunner Francesca Gardiner updated on the project, which aims to bring J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world to life with fresh perspectives and an entirely new cast.
Casting for the series is underway, with more than 32,000 young actors auditioning for the coveted roles of Harry, Rob, and Hermione, with the creative team reviewing up to 1,000 audition tapes a day. The casting process is aimed at uncovering new talent and has plans to move into workshops with shortlisted candidates early next year.
Gardiner emphasized the importance of honoring the source material, including sticking to canonical ages for characters like Severus Snape and Lily and James Potter. Mylod acknowledged the legacy of Alan Rickman’s Snape, expressing the challenge and excitement of finding a worthy successor.
Set to begin filming in the summer of 2025 at the Leavesden Studios, the series aims to expand on the wizarding world’s visual and narrative depth. Fans can expect fresh explorations of Hogwarts and the lives of its staff, offering a naturalistic take on the magical setting.
Despite the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s involvement, Warner Bros. stands firm in its support of the project, ensuring fans a faithful adaptation of the novels. With its ambitious vision and dedication to authenticity, the series promises to captivate a new generation of “Harry Potter” enthusiasts.