Complete Guide to HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot — Full Cast, Rumors & Updates

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spk_0 Hey everyone, welcome to another installment of Harry Potter Theory. In today's video,

spk_0 we're breaking down everything we know so far about the upcoming Harry Potter TV show,

spk_0 from the budget and release date to confirmed casting, behind the scenes,

spk_0 controversies and even a few juicy rumors. Some of this was recorded today, while other sections are

spk_0 stitched together from previous videos, including the casting announcements.

spk_0 Anyway, without further ado, let's dive into it all, starting with…

spk_0 What is it? The new Harry Potter HBO series is a full-scale television reboot of JK Rowling's

spk_0 Seven Book Saga, a decade-long big budget retelling that promises to stay far closer to the novels

spk_0 than the original films ever could. The idea is simple but ambitious, give every subplot,

spk_0 every side character and every bit of Wizarding World lore the time it never got on the big screen.

spk_0 Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible

spk_0 adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films

spk_0 will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.

spk_0 We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way.

spk_0 Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it's clear there is such an enduring love and thirst

spk_0 for the Wizarding World. Who's working on it? The series is being written and executive

spk_0 produced by Francesca Gardner, best known for her work on his dark materials and succession.

spk_0 Mark Mylad, acclaimed for directing some of Game of Thrones,

spk_0 mass cinematic episodes and much of succession, will serve as an executive producer and direct

spk_0 multiple episodes. Production comes from HBO in association with Bronte, film and TV and Warner

spk_0 Bros. Television. The executive producing team also includes Jekyll Rowling, along with longtime

spk_0 collaborators Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Lets of Bronte, film and TV, plus David Heyman of

spk_0 Hayday Films, the producer behind all eight original Harry Potter films. Release date. While

spk_0 no hard premiere date has yet been confirmed, industry reporting and official remarks point

spk_0 toward a 2027 debut. Earlier projections aimed for late 2026 but those have since been pushed back

spk_0 with HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery now targeting a launch sometime in 2027. Production officially

spk_0 began in July 2025 at the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden UK. How many episodes? When it comes to

spk_0 episode count, things are a little less cut and dry than other production details. But but starting

spk_0 to get a reasonably clear picture of what HBO is planning. For season one, multiple reliable

spk_0 industry outlets have now reported that the show will consist of eight one hour long episodes.

spk_0 That figure lines up with an early comment from the creative team who explained that they'll have

spk_0 eight hours to tell the first book. As for the seasons that follow, well that's a little

spk_0 more speculative. Some trade publications have suggested that HBO will stick with the eight

spk_0 episode formats across the board. But it's worth noting that the Harry Potter books vary

spk_0 dramatically in length and complexity. Philosopher's Stone is a brisk 223 pages in the UK edition,

spk_0 while Order of the Phoenix rules well past 700. So it's hard to imagine the studio trying to

spk_0 compress them into the same runtime. Because of this, it's likely that future seasons could

spk_0 adjust episode count to fit the material. Perhaps staying close to eight for the earlier, shorter books,

spk_0 but expanding to nine, ten, or even more for the later heavier installments. What we do know is

spk_0 the overall plan. The reboot is expected to cover all seven original novels across a roughly

spk_0 ten year production cycle, where the each season adapting one book in full. That approach,

spk_0 one season per book, is designed to give the story a proper breathing room, and in short no

spk_0 plot line or character arc gets the short shrift it sometimes did in the future films. Ten years of

spk_0 Harry Potter sounds good to me. Budget. Rumor circulating suggests that the Harry Potter HBO series

spk_0 has a reported 1.2 billion budget, making it the most expensive TV show ever made. For comparison,

spk_0 rings of power spent 1 billion, and even Game of Thrones didn't come close. The money is

spk_0 spread over a ten year plan, but it's going into practical effects, top tier actors, and massive

spk_0 new sets. I mean, they're basically building an entire mini city just for the show. When you

spk_0 think about it, the original eight films together cost about the same. But here we're getting multiple

spk_0 seasons of content instead of just eight movies. This is a big investment for what is effectively

spk_0 still a huge gamble, but it's encouraging to see Warner Bros. going all in before the first

spk_0 episode even airs. Casting. Next up we've got the biggest part of this video, casting. While there

spk_0 are still some names that need to be announced, it's fair to say at this point that we've got

spk_0 pretty much everyone. Here's the full list, starting with… In an interview with Mark Myland and

spk_0 Francesca Garden in last December, they revealed that an astounding 30,000 children responded to

spk_0 the casting call for these three roles. We also learnt that over 30,000 people auditioned for the

spk_0 roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione during the open casting call earlier this year. And although

spk_0 the Golden Triar have yet to be cast, Mark admitted they watched every single audition,

spk_0 and there's a couple crackers. The sheer volume of applicants is a clear demonstration of both the

spk_0 level of interest in the series, as well as the production team's dedication to finding the

spk_0 perfect actors for these iconic roles. And while the casting process is undoubtedly challenging,

spk_0 Mark's comment about discovering a couple of crackers seems to have come to fruition,

spk_0 as they've now been able to narrow it down to the final three. The young actors who will play the

spk_0 lead roles in the series are Dominic McClachlin, who will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton,

spk_0 who will play Hermione Granger, and Alistair Stout, who will play it wrong easily. And surprisingly,

spk_0 all three young actors are complete newcomers to the Harry Potter series and are marking their first

spk_0 major on screen roles. However, they do have some acting experience. McClachlin is set to appear

spk_0 in Skyragenaut's upcoming family comedy film, Grow. While Stanton previously played the

spk_0 titular role of Matilda in the stage production of Matilda, the musical on London's West End

spk_0 between 2023 and 2024. Executive producers Francesca Gardner Mark Mildred said in a statement

spk_0 Tuesday that they discovered these young actors after an extraordinary search led by casting

spk_0 directors Lucy Bevin and Emily Brockman. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful

spk_0 to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together on screen. Gardner

spk_0 and Mildred said, we would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned.

spk_0 It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there. These three names

spk_0 have now been officially added to the growing list of talent set to appear on the series, Quarernas

spk_0 Queryl. Actor Luke Thallen has officially been cast as Quarernas Queryl, the nervous

spk_0 events against the Dark Arts professor from Harry's first year. Thallen is an accomplished stage actor,

spk_0 whose credits include Patriots, Albion, and Tom Stoppards, Leopold Stutt. Most recently,

spk_0 he took on the title role in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet, which gives

spk_0 us a pretty clear indication of his dramatic chops. I don't know too much about Thallen,

spk_0 but I do know Queryl's character is led with insecurity, fear, and ultimately a dark twist,

spk_0 and hopefully his stage background should lend itself well to that kind of transformation.

spk_0 In the original Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone film, Queryl was of course portrayed by

spk_0 Ian Hart. While Queryl is often remembered as the stammering, nervous defense against the Dark

spk_0 Arts professor, his arc is far more sinister beneath the surface. He begins the story as a

spk_0 seemingly timid academic, but we eventually learn he's been hiding Lord Voldemort on the back

spk_0 of his head the entire time. What makes the role of Queryl so tricky is the dual performance

spk_0 it demands. On one hand, the actor must portray vulnerability and weakness to maintain the illusion

spk_0 of harmlessness. On the other, he must subtly convey the mounting presence of evil. Let's hope

spk_0 he can handle it. Next up, we've got Argus Filch. Actor Paul Whitehouse has officially been cast

spk_0 as Argus Filch, the notoriously bitter caretaker of Hogwarts. Whitehouse is best known for his work

spk_0 in British comedy, with credits including the fast show, Harry and Paul, and Mortimer and Whitehouse

spk_0 gone fishing. He also has significant stage experience, including a turn in only falls and horses,

spk_0 the musical. Personally, I am a huge fan of Whitehouse and pretty much everything he's ever

spk_0 been in, so I have no complaints about this casting. I can imagine his Filch sneer already.

spk_0 I just hope he won't make me laugh every time he appears on screen. While primarily known for

spk_0 his comedic chops, Whitehouse is also a skilled character actor, and that makes him an interesting

spk_0 choice for Filch. The character has always walked a fine line between Dark Comedy and genuine

spk_0 Pathos. He's grumpy, vindictive, and overly attached to his cat Mrs. Norris. But beneath the

spk_0 surface, Zaman deeply bitter about being a squib in a world full of magic. Hopefully Whitehouse can

spk_0 also capture the darker side of Filch. In the original films, Filch was played by David Bradley,

spk_0 where he delivered a wonderfully sinister but also oddly tragic version of Filch. A man obsessed

spk_0 with rules, resentful of students, and desperate for a shred of power. Rubius Hagrid. The Nick Frost

spk_0 rumors have been mounting in the past few weeks, but finally we have confirmation that he will play

spk_0 the friendly half-giant Rubius Hagrid. For those unfamiliar with Frost, he developed a career

spk_0 around his strong comedic performances, but also due to his kindness and infectious enthusiasm,

spk_0 two traits that will align perfectly with the character of Hagrid. He's best known for his roles

spk_0 in cult comedy films like Sean of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End, and Paul. On television,

spk_0 he's appeared in shows like Spaced and Into the Badlands. And more recently, it lent his voice

spk_0 to the character SM-33 in Star Wars, Skeleting Crew. Frost is an actor with a warm, every man charm,

spk_0 often playing lovable, slightly bumbling characters with a big heart, and a streak of comic vulnerability.

spk_0 Originally portrayed by the beloved Robbie Coltrane, Hagrid in the films was a gentle giant

spk_0 through and through. Fistly loyal to Dumbledore, emotionally attached to magical creatures,

spk_0 and a true friend to Harry, Ron, and to Miny. With the frost stepping into the role,

spk_0 we may see a version of Hagrid that leans even more into the character's humerus awkwardness

spk_0 and big-hearted nature. Well, hopefully still capturing the emotional weight and quiet strength

spk_0 that make him such an important figure in Harry's life. Minerva McGonagall. Another casting that

spk_0 has had rumors mounting, finally we have confirmation that actress Janet McTair will take on the role of

spk_0 McGonagall. McGatair's film credits include weathering heights, Albert Nobs, and The Menu.

spk_0 While on television, she's delivered stand-out performances in Ozark and Jessica Jones.

spk_0 Later this year, she's also set to appear in Mission Impossible, the final reckoning.

spk_0 It seems like she's pretty versatile across genres.

spk_0 McGatair is known for her commanding screen presence and emotional depth,

spk_0 qualities that make her a natural fit for McGonagall. Originally portrayed by the legendary

spk_0 Dame Maggie Smith, McGonagall was a fan favourite for her wit, snappy attitude, bravery,

spk_0 and sharp sense of justice. What makes this role so rich is its balance. McGonagall is strict,

spk_0 but fair, intimidating yet deeply compassionate. She upholds tradition yet never hesitates to

spk_0 defy authority when it's the right thing to do. McGatair is just a couple years younger than

spk_0 the late Maggie Smith was when she was first cast as McGonagall over two decades ago,

spk_0 and while she may have some enormous shoes to fill, she certainly has the credentials to pull it

spk_0 off. The only question is, can she pull off the Scottish accent? Severus Snape.

spk_0 This one's been more contentious due to the departure from Snape's physical description in the

spk_0 books. However, we now have confirmation that Papa Sido will take on the role of Severus Snape.

spk_0 A Sido rose to prominence with his role in the critically acclaimed I may destroy you,

spk_0 and has since appeared in Gangs of London, the Lazarus project, and most recently,

spk_0 the Outrun, alongside Searsha Ronin. Later this year, he set to star in a western production of

spk_0 Arthur Miller's All My Sons, and emotionally wastey role that speaks to his dramatic depth and

spk_0 stage presence. Snape is one of the most complex and morally ambiguous characters in the

spk_0 Wizarding World. Cold, cruel, and calculating on the surface, yet ultimately revealed to be

spk_0 motivated by loyalty, grief, and love. His arc is a masterclass in long form character development,

spk_0 and I suspect that this will truly put a Sido's acting chops to the test. Taking on the role

spk_0 after the late Alan Rickman, he certainly got some big shoes to fill, and while the showrunners

spk_0 have chosen to stray from the book Faithful Adaptation they initially advertised,

spk_0 I'm still curious to see which direction the show takes. Alba stumbled all.

spk_0 For a moment, it looked like we might be getting pierced, as I knew Hogwarts had master,

spk_0 and while I'm slightly disappointed that the role went to John Lithgow instead, I can't say

spk_0 too upset. After all, Lithgow is a seasoned actor with serious range. He's done everything from

spk_0 comedy to Shakespeare to playing Winston Churchill, so while he might not have been my first pick for

spk_0 Dumbledore, I'm definitely open to seeing what he does. He recently started in the Oscar-winning

spk_0 Conclave, and is widely known for his work in third rock from the Sun, Footloose, and Crown,

spk_0 where he portrayed Winston Churchill with remarkable nuance. Just last week,

spk_0 Lithgow also won an Olivier Award for his performance as role Dal in the stage playing Giant.

spk_0 Which is now transferring to the West End. A testament to his ongoing relevance and versatility

spk_0 as an actor, taking on the role of Dumbledore is no small task. Originally portrayed by Richard

spk_0 Harris and later by Michael Gambon in the film series, Dumbledore is a figure of deep complexity,

spk_0 wise, enigmatic, kind, manipulative, and burdened by a dark past. However, I think that

spk_0 Lithgow has both the theatrical command and emotional intelligence to delicately balance the

spk_0 highs and lows of his character. Casting John Lithgow does break one of the biggest rules

spk_0 established in the film franchise, that the cast must be exclusively British, Irish, or Scottish.

spk_0 That said, John Lithgow is no ordinary American actor, and his extensive resume showcases his

spk_0 ability to embody diverse and complex characters, even British ones. Also joining the cast is

spk_0 acclaimed British actor Anton Lesa, who will be taking on the role of Garrick Olivervender,

spk_0 the mysterious and wise one-maker, whose brief but memorable appearances in the series,

spk_0 carried deep narrative weight. I think that Lesa's commanding screen presence, seen in series

spk_0 like Game of Thrones and The Crown, makes it an ideal fit for the role. One that plays a key part

spk_0 in introducing Harry to the magical world. It's also been announced that Louise Breely has joined

spk_0 the cast as Madame Rolanda Hooch, the sharp-eyed flying instructor and quidditch referee at Hogwarts.

spk_0 Known for her fierce discipline, keen instincts and signature walk-like yellow eyes,

spk_0 who plays a key role in introducing first-year students to broomstick flying.

spk_0 Breely, best known for her work on Sherlock and Back, brings a sharp wit and commanding presence

spk_0 to the role, making her a fitting choice to portray one of Hogwarts' most no-nonsense staff

spk_0 members. Molly Weasley, Catherine Parkinson. Actress Catherine Parkinson has officially been cast

spk_0 as Molly Weasley, the warm-hearted matriarch of the Weasley family. Parkinson is best known for a work

spk_0 in British comedy, particularly her role as Jen Barber in The It crowd, as well as appearances

spk_0 in humans defending the guilty and dock Martin. Originally portrayed by Julie Walters in the Harry

spk_0 Potter films, Molly is remembered for her fierce loyalty, maternal warmth and, of course, her

spk_0 unforgettable duel with Bellatrixa Strange in the Deathly Hallows. The casting Parkinson in this

spk_0 role signals an interesting shift, as while she's often associated with dry wit and understated

spk_0 performances, Molly Weasley requires a deep emotional range, balancing tenderness with toughness

spk_0 and warmth. I'm a big fan of Parkinson and I'm excited to see what she does with the role.

spk_0 Before we go any further, I just want to mention that only 30% of you are subscribed,

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spk_0 Lucy's Malfoy Johnny Flynn

spk_0 Another very familiar face, at least to me, Johnny Flynn has officially been cast as Lucy's

spk_0 Malfoy, the aristocratic death eater and father of Draco Malfoy, and while I can't quite shake

spk_0 the image of him being the whiny main character of Love Sick, in all fairness he is quite a versatile

spk_0 actor. Most recently he starred as Ian Fleming in Operation Min's Meat, showcasing a slick

spk_0 calculating charisma that feels right at home with the character like Lucius. In the original

spk_0 film series Lucius was portrayed by Jason Isaacs, who brought a cold elegance and quiet

spk_0 menace to the role. With his pale features, flowing blonde hair and serpentine demeanor,

spk_0 Lucius became one of the franchises most iconic antagonists, equal parts refined and repellent.

spk_0 Flynn's casting suggests a slightly different take. While Isaacs leaned into icy villainy,

spk_0 I suspect Flynn may be less overtly sinister and more psychologically led.

spk_0 Lucius isn't just a death eater, he's a man driven by status, fear, and a desperate need to

spk_0 preserve his family's standing in a shifting world. I just wonder how they'll choose to

spk_0 visually portray Lucius, as Isaacs brought an entirely different visual package to the role

spk_0 that didn't exactly align with the books. On a side note, it is slightly disappointing that

spk_0 actor Tom Felton won't be reprising the role of his on-screen father, but I suppose I did always

spk_0 have mixed feelings about it, and it's nice to give fresh faces a chance at portraying

spk_0 the mouthhuis. Cornelius Vudge, Bertie Carvall, actor Bertie Carvall has officially been cast

spk_0 as Cornelius Vudge, the often flustered and frustrating Minister for Magic. Carvall is an acclaimed

spk_0 stage and screen actor with a wide range of credits, including Doctor Foster, The Crown, and Daugly

spk_0 Esch. In the original films, Vudge was portrayed by Robert Hardy, who brought a pompous charm and

spk_0 a slow-burning denialism to the role. As Minister, Vudge's legacy is defined by his refusal to acknowledge

spk_0 Voldemort's return, placing politics and public perception above truth until it was far too late.

spk_0 Carvall's casting hints are diversion of Fudge that may be a bit more complex. He's shown a

spk_0 talent for playing men in power who mask insecurity with bluster and who unravel under pressure,

spk_0 qualities that map perfectly on two Fudge's arc. I haven't seen enough of Carvall to accurately

spk_0 assess the situation, but I think he's got the tools. Vernon Dersley, Daniel Rigby, actor Daniel

spk_0 Rigby has officially been cast as Vernon Dersley. The stern, no nonsense uncle of Harry Potter.

spk_0 And I've got to say, besides the fact that Rigby is a lot thinner than Vernon is supposed to be,

spk_0 he otherwise looks quite the part. Rigby is a versatile and award-winning performer. He earned a

spk_0 BAFTA TV Award in 2011 for portraying comic legend Eric Morkham in Eric and Ernie,

spk_0 beating out Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch. He since delivered memorable turns in Black Mirror,

spk_0 Flowers, Big School, Undercover, and voiced the rebooted Teletubbies. In the original Harry Potter

spk_0 films, Vernon was brought to life by the late Richard Griffiths, his portrayal was older,

spk_0 perfunished and overwhelmingly proud. The new HB adaptation swaps that caricature for a more

spk_0 age-accurate version. In the novels, Vernon and Puccinae were in their early 30s when Harry arrived,

spk_0 and this shift feels more faithful to the source material, as iconic as the previous actors were.

spk_0 Rigby's knack for playing everyday men whose façades crack under pressure could bring a fresh

spk_0 depth to Vernon. Someone whose petty prejudices and passive-aggressive behaviour

spk_0 feel more grounded and ultimately more unsettling. Puccinae Dersley, Bell Palli, actress Bell Palli

spk_0 has officially been cast as Puccinae Dersley, Harry's cold-hearted aunt. Palli is a critically

spk_0 acclaimed performer, nominated for a British Independent Film Award and an independent spirit

spk_0 award for the Diary of a Teenage Girl, winner of Cannes, Trophé Chopar, and most recently seen

spk_0 in Masters of the Air, the Morning Show and a Small Light. She combined youthful energy with

spk_0 a capacity for emotional nuance, traits that may bring a fresh grounded intimacy to Puccinae's

spk_0 resentment and social rigidity. In the original films, Puccinae was portrayed by Fiona Shaw,

spk_0 delivering a repressed, bitter and stern figure. While Bell does seem a bit young for the role,

spk_0 aged does actually more closely align with the books, and this is great if we consider

spk_0 one of the goals of the reboot was to stay true to the source material. Draco Malfoy Locke's Pratt

spk_0 Locke's Pratt has officially been cast as Draco Malfoy, the prads that are in pure blood

spk_0 who quickly becomes Harry's rival at Hogwarts. Though young, Pratt already brings a strong

spk_0 acting pedigree to the role. He first gained recognition for his breakup performance as Jack

spk_0 married you, the dangerous and charismatic bad boy leader, and the BBC adaptation of Lord of the

spk_0 Flies. That role established him as a compelling presence on screen, capable of portraying arrogance,

spk_0 manipulation, and emotional volatility. All traits crucial to a convincing Draco.

spk_0 Now with this casting in Harry Potter, Pratt marks his entrance into a major fantasy franchise.

spk_0 It's a big leap, but one that seems well matched to his trajectory, from intense dramatic roles,

spk_0 into the kind of lad work that Draco demands. Shameless Finnegan, Leo Early.

spk_0 Actor Leo Early has officially been cast as Shameless Finnegan, the fiery Gryffindor

spk_0 known for his explosive spells and loyal spirit. While this marks early's first on-screen role,

spk_0 he's already drawing attention as a promising newcomer. Hailing from Ireland,

spk_0 early brings genuine Irish warmth and authenticity to Shameless. Pavarti Patil, Alicia Lyoni.

spk_0 Alicia Lyoni has officially been cast as Pavarti Patil, a minis Gryffindor classmate and later

spk_0 Harry's Yulbal date. While Lyoni is making her screen debut, that hasn't stopped her from

spk_0 stepping into a role full of warm confidence and emotional resonance. Lavender Brown,

spk_0 Sienna Musa. Sienna Musa has officially been cast as Lavender Brown, the dramatic and often

spk_0 emotionally intense Gryffindor. While Musa is new to the screen, her casting signals the series

spk_0 commitment to fresh talent. Lavender will be brought to life by an actor who can lean into her

spk_0 characters' bold presence and passionate heart. In the original films Lavender, portrayed by Jesse

spk_0 Cave, was a teen dramatic, excitable, affectionate and sometimes overwhelming. Recent announcements

spk_0 include Rory Wilmet as Neville Longbottom, the shy, clumsy Gryffindor who, over time, grows into one

spk_0 of the story's most courageous heroes. Child actor Amos Kitsyn has also been cast as Dudley Dursley,

spk_0 Harry's spoiled and overindulged cousin who torments him throughout childhood. I can't

spk_0 speak to the abilities of these young actors much as they've only just been thrust into the spotlight,

spk_0 but I can't wait to see what they do within their respective roles, the new Weasley's.

spk_0 At long last, it looks as though the Weasley family is finally starting to come together.

spk_0 Until now, we only knew about Ron. But in the last week or two, both the official Harry Potter and

spk_0 the HBO Max pages revealed four more of the Weasley children. Joining Alice to Stout as Ron Weasley,

spk_0 we now have Tristan Holland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Holland as George Weasley,

spk_0 Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley and Gracie Cochran as Ginny Weasley. And of course, I'll be joining

spk_0 Catherine Parkinson, who was previously announced as Molly Weasley. What makes this reveal so exciting

spk_0 is that we finally get to see the Weasley siblings taking shape, and I've gotta say, it's a whole

spk_0 lot of red hair. The casting notes even tease that the borough is nearly full, which makes me wonder

spk_0 if we might be seeing more of Charlie and Bill sooner rather than later. In fact, HBO even slipped

spk_0 in a little tease about Charlie being in Romania for now, but joining us soon. That's interesting,

spk_0 because while he doesn't appear until later books, the show filming back to back seasons might allow

spk_0 him to show up earlier. As for the new cast, Ruari Spooner as the strongest theatre background with

spk_0 roles in productions like 12th Night and the Tempest, Tristan and Gabriel Holland, real-life twins,

spk_0 will take on the roles of Fred and George. They've both appeared in the last kingdom,

spk_0 and it's fitting to see them bring their real sibling chemistry into the Wizarding world.

spk_0 I just wonder if they met at the audition like the old Fred and George. Gracie Cochran,

spk_0 as experienced on both stage and screen, with credits ranging from Chichi Chichi Bang Bang to a small

spk_0 role in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. She's also spoken about her love for the Harry Potter series,

spk_0 calling Goblet of Fire, her favourite. One thing's fans will be playing close attention to is how

spk_0 true these characters remain to the books, especially Percy, whose ministry storyline was almost

spk_0 cut completely from the films, and Ginny, who was famously underwritten compared to her fiery,

spk_0 confident book counterpart. This show has a real chance to correct the support trails and give

spk_0 the weasley siblings the depth they deserve. At the end of the day, I think this group looks

spk_0 pretty good. They match the spirit of the characters, and more importantly, they've nailed the

spk_0 red hair. The weasley family is finally coming together, and I can't wait to see how they bring

spk_0 these roles to life when the show is finally released. Morric Davis is officially returning to

spk_0 Hogwarts. For those who might not immediately place the name, Davis is the legendary actor,

spk_0 portrayed Professor Phillius Flipwick, the Charmsmaster and head of Ravenclaw House across all

spk_0 eight Harry Potter films. He also doubled as Grip Hook the Goblin in the later installments,

spk_0 but Flipwick is the role that fans are strongly associated with him. It's also worth noting that

spk_0 the actor for Grip Hook was also announced this week, and the character will be taken on by Lee

spk_0 Gill. With HBO's confirmation that Davis will be reprising the role of Flipwick in the upcoming

spk_0 series, it makes him the very first actor from the original films to return in an official capacity.

spk_0 Something that fans weren't sure would ever happen. The announcement came during this year's

spk_0 Back to Hogwarts Day. It's a bit more first, with a variety noting,

spk_0 Morric Davis will reprise his role as Professor Phillius Flipwick in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter

spk_0 series, Warner Bros Discovery announced Sunday as part of the Back to Hogwarts celebrations.

spk_0 Now, this is a pretty big deal, as until now the reboot has been positioned as a completely

spk_0 fresh start. A new cast, a new decade-long plan, a chance to give each book the space of a full

spk_0 season. But with Davis returning, there's a clear through line back to the films. How do I feel

spk_0 about it? I'm not sure yet. On the one hand, I was sort of hoping they'd stick to what they

spk_0 said early on and bring in an entirely fresh cast. That way, I could more easily compartmentalise

spk_0 this new series as its own thing. A clean slate separate from the original films we've all watched

spk_0 a hundred times. A new cast means a new identity, and it helps avoid constant comparison with what

spk_0 came before. But when you bring back someone from the original films, it does blur that line

spk_0 little, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. On the flip side, it is Morric Davis for talking

spk_0 about here. He's a legend in the franchise, and Flipwick is one of those characters that feels

spk_0 timeless. Quirky, warm, and never really tied down to a single era, the way someone like Harry

spk_0 or Snape would be. So while part of me wonders if this blurs the boundaries of the reboot,

spk_0 another part of me is excited that fans will get to see a familiar face again.

spk_0 As Davis himself said on Harry Potter.com, it feels like coming home. Flipwick has always held a

spk_0 special place in my heart, and I can't wait to introduce him to a whole new generation of Hogwarts

spk_0 students. Professor Pomona Sprout, head of Hufflepuff House and topologist extraordinaire, who will be

spk_0 played by actress Serine Sabba. In the films, Sprout was played by Mary Margles, and while she left

spk_0 her mark in Chamber of Secrets, she wasn't particularly prominent. The series has the breathing

spk_0 room to flesh her character out a bit more, and I'm excited to see where they go with it.

spk_0 I'm also not particularly attached to Margles portrayal of Sprout in the original films.

spk_0 Besides Warwick Davis, the other headline grabber here is the addition of Professor Benz,

spk_0 who is finally set to make his on-screen debut. He'll be played by actor Richard Durdon. Benz is

spk_0 the ghostly history of Magic Professor, who famously died in the staff room and simply carried

spk_0 on teaching. He plays a surprisingly important role in Chamber of Secrets, telling the story of the

spk_0 Chamber itself. The original movie is cut Benz entirely, something that's always frustrated

spk_0 book fans, but now HBO is setting the record straight. For the first time, fans will finally get

spk_0 to see Professor Cuthbert Benz, the only ghost teacher at Hogwarts, who was cut from the original

spk_0 films despite playing a vital role in the books. This is truly a promising sign that HBO is taking

spk_0 book accuracy seriously. Next, we've got Brad Brennan joining as Madame Poppy Pumphrey.

spk_0 The school nurse who always seems to be patching up the fallout from Quidditch Accidents,

spk_0 Dulling Mishaps, or the latest events against a Dark Arts disaster. In the books, she's a fixture,

spk_0 reminding us how dangerous Hogwarts really is. The films only gave her a few brief appearances,

spk_0 but in the series we'll likely see a lot more of her stern but caring presence. A few Hogwarts

spk_0 students have also been confirmed. A larger ocean will play Dean Thomas, who is finally getting his

spk_0 due. In the books, he's a full-fledged character with a fascinating backstory, but in the films,

spk_0 he was relegated to the background. Finn Stevens and William Nash will take on Vincent Crab and

spk_0 Gregory Goyle. These two were part of Draco Malfoy's inner circle in the books, but their presence

spk_0 was cut down significantly in the movies, especially in the later ones. The rumors. With the

spk_0 casting out of the way, next I want to address some of the most pervasive rumors surrounding the show.

spk_0 Believe me, there are a lot of them. One of the cooler rumors floating around is that the reboot

spk_0 might link, at least a little, to the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy 2 video game. Word from gaming

spk_0 insiders suggests Warner Bros. wants to build a more connected wizarding world,

spk_0 slipping in small lore nods and easter eggs between the show and its gaming side. But don't

spk_0 expect a full-on crossover. The Hogwarts Legacy games set way back in the late 1800s long before

spk_0 Harry's time. What we might see instead is subtle world building overlap, things like familiar

spk_0 castle locations, magical artifacts, or older wizarding, family names, introduced in Legacy 2,

spk_0 popping up in the show. Basically, little winks to fans who know both worlds.

spk_0 The next rumor you've probably seen already, and it claims that HBO is planning a full-blown

spk_0 Founder series exploring the origins of Hogwarts with Henry Cavill being considered to play

spk_0 Godric Gryffindor. The story, which quickly spread across the internet, claimed,

spk_0 HBO Max wants to make a series about the founders of Hogwarts and Henry Cavill being considered

spk_0 for the role of Godric Gryffindor. And while this sounds exciting in theory, the truth is that there

spk_0 is absolutely no official source backing this up. It hasn't been reported by variety, deadline,

spk_0 the Hollywood Reporter, and Warner Bros. Discovery themselves haven't said a word.

spk_0 You want the truth, this is probably just clickbait designed to play at fans heartstrings

spk_0 without any real substance behind it. And this is a hard pill to swallow, because a Founder's show

spk_0 is exactly the kind of spin-off that fans have been imagining for years. In fact, I'd bet that

spk_0 most fans want a Founder spin-off much more than a reboot. But that's be real. It just wouldn't

spk_0 make sense for HBO to split focus before the main reboot even airs. They're investing billions

spk_0 into the decade-long adaptation of the seven books, and launching rumors about a spin-off right

spk_0 now distracts from the project that actually matters. And while we're on the subject, there are so

spk_0 many spin-offs that fans would like to see. At the top of the list is a Marauder's origin series,

spk_0 following James, Serious Remus, and Peter through their Hogwarts years, the creation of the Marauder's

spk_0 map and their complicated ties to Snape. Then there's Voldemort's origins, a darker tale exploring

spk_0 Tom Riddle's childhood, his rise to power and the creation of the Horcruxes. And of course,

spk_0 Dumbledore's origins, diving into his youth, his bond, and fall out with Grindelwald,

spk_0 and the tragedies that shaped him. The Wizarding World is brimming with stories like these,

spk_0 untold chapses that could expand the lore and give fans an even deeper connection to the characters

spk_0 they already know. But for now, while it's fun to picture Caval wielding Godric's sword,

spk_0 this one isn't happening. At least, not for now. The next rumor pertains to a female Voldemort,

spk_0 and it all began with Daniel Rickman, a well-known Hollywood scooper who recently reported that

spk_0 HBO's Harry Potter production is auditioning both men and women for the role of Voldemort.

spk_0 They're auditioning both men and women for Voldemort, so it's possible we could see a female

spk_0 Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. You heard that right. Lord Voldemort, the dark Lord himself,

spk_0 might be played by a woman. And like you probably expected, that one piece of news is already spiraled

spk_0 into one of the most controversial Harry Potter casting debates since the series was announced.

spk_0 So far nothing is confirmed. No official statement from Warner Bros or HBO, no cast list,

spk_0 and no casting decision announced. But still, this announcement has just enough credibility

spk_0 to spark some serious discussion. Across Twitter, Reddit and other fan spaces, the responses have been

spk_0 explosive. On Reddit's r-slashleaks and rumors, whether stories play quickly,

spk_0 comments range from disappointment to outright outrage. This reboot sounds terrible more and more

spk_0 each day. Another fan highlighted the book accuracy issue directly. Tom, his name is Tom.

spk_0 Others echo the same concern. His damn name is literally Tom Marvolo Brittle. The entire

spk_0 I am Lord Voldemort's anagram comes from that. And some even mock the idea. A great Voldemort

spk_0 Tina. Others tried to imagine a best-case scenario. One name that came up repeatedly was Tilda

spk_0 Swinton, known for her androgynous, ethereal performances. A voice modulated Tilda Swinton,

spk_0 with red eyes and a gaunt, sinewy snake-like form, would be terrifying. But by far the most

spk_0 common concern was about book accuracy. And that's precisely why this rumor is such a big deal.

spk_0 If the whole point of the series is to be faithful to the books, how do you square that with

spk_0 rewriting something so foundational? In the books, Voldemort is unambiguous to the male. He is

spk_0 born Tom Marvolo Brittle. With the famous anagram, I am Lord Voldemort, serving as one of the stories

spk_0 most iconic reveals. And the prospect of showrunners introducing a female Voldemort raises a

spk_0 number of major questions. For example, would the Tom Riddle's storyline remain consistent?

spk_0 The orphanage, the gaurnt family, the toyster name him after his muggle father. These are all

spk_0 central details. If Voldemort is reimagined as female, do those beats stay exactly the same,

spk_0 or do they get rewritten? Would the anagram still work? Fans know this moment from Chamber of

spk_0 secrets. Tom Marvolo Brittle rearranged into I am Lord Voldemort. But what happens if the name

spk_0 isn't Tom anymore? Do the invent an entirely new female name to make the letters work? Or do they

spk_0 scrap the scene altogether? Does it change his connection with Harry? Voldemort is often framed

spk_0 as a dark mirror of Harry. Both half-bloods, both orphans, both extraordinary wizards shaped by trauma.

spk_0 If Voldemort is female, what does that symmetry look like? And lastly, is this an example of

spk_0 showrunners rewriting J.K. Rowling's work purely for the sake of a headline? This is the biggest

spk_0 concern for a lot of fans. The reboot was sold on the idea of being a faithful adaptation of the novels,

spk_0 and if something as fundamental as Voldemort's identity is altered, then it sort of undermines

spk_0 the very purpose of the show. So far, HBO has marketed the show as a true, more detailed adaptation

spk_0 than the films. And in order to stick to that promise, they've already made a number of steps

spk_0 in the right direction. Peves the Poltergeist, who was cut from the films entirely, is confirmed to

spk_0 appear in the series. Characters like Wink in the House Elf and Ludovagman, who played major roles

spk_0 in culprit of fire, but were left out of the movies, are expected to return. Storylines such as

spk_0 Hermione's spew campaign for House Elf writes are rumoured to finally get the proper screen time

spk_0 they deserve. And even supporting figures like Charlie Weasley and Professor Bins, who were

spk_0 thoughtful adaptations. But that's precisely why this Voldemort rumor hits so hard.

spk_0 Because while Peves, Wink, and Spew make the series more faithful, a female Voldemort feels like

spk_0 it moves in the opposite direction. Fans expect accuracy, and how do you reconcile that with

spk_0 potentially altering Voldemort's gender? And while the female Voldemort rumor is stealing

spk_0 the spotlight, there are competing whispers online too, including claims that HBO already has a

spk_0 Voldemort locked in, and they're just keeping the casting secrets until closer to release.

spk_0 One name that keeps surfacing in fanwish lists is Killian Murphy, but this is where the contrast

spk_0 becomes even more striking. On one hand, you have the possibility of a radical reinterpretation,

spk_0 a female Voldemort. On the other, you have the safer, more faithful choice of someone like

spk_0 Murphy, who could lean into Voldemort's established menace without breaking canon.

spk_0 The fact that these two very different rumors are circulating at the same time, has left the

spk_0 fanbase more divided, and more confused than ever. And like with the snake casting, I can't

spk_0 help but wonder why. When HBO announced Papa Cedu a Severus Snape, the reaction was immediate.

spk_0 Some praise the decision, pointing out as Cedu's impressive stage career in Gravitats,

spk_0 qualities that fit Snape's sharp, commanding presence. But most were critical,

spk_0 arguing that the choice veered away from the physical description rolling gave in the books.

spk_0 Salo skin, greasy black hair, a hooked nose. For many people, that image is inseparable from

spk_0 Snape's character. But here's the key difference. Snape is still Snape. His backstory,

spk_0 his motivations, his role as the double agent who ultimately sacrifices himself,

spk_0 and none of that is being rewritten. Whether he's played by Alan Rickman,

spk_0 Papa Cedu, or someone else entirely, his essence as the man caught between two masters remains

spk_0 intact. With Voldemort is another matter entirely. Casting a woman in the role doesn't just

spk_0 change the face of the character, it threatens to change the fabric of his identity. Voldemort

spk_0 is Tom Marvolo Riddle. His name, his family, the infamous anagram scene in Chamber of Secrets.

spk_0 These aren't surface details. They are core pillars of his character, and four fans already

spk_0 nervous about distraction, there's a natural comparison to make. Remember what happened with

spk_0 female Ghostbusters? A reboot with solid actors that still collapse in the weight of divided

spk_0 expectations, constant online outrage, and the feeling the core identity of the franchise had been

spk_0 tampered with. The fear is that Lady Voldemort could set the HBO series down a similar path,

spk_0 controversy overshadowing the actual story. I wouldn't make Voldemort a woman for the same reason

spk_0 and wouldn't make Wonder Woman a man, or Cat and Severene, or Daenerys Targaryen. These characters

spk_0 are who they are. Their gender is part of their identity, part of what makes their story work.

spk_0 It's not about gatekeeping or refusing creativity, it's about respecting the core integrity of the

spk_0 character. I'm sure Snape's story basically still works, regardless of who portrays him,

spk_0 but Voldemort's that's less certain. Maybe he's not Tom Riddle, and if he's childhood and

spk_0 lineage-needed-justing, then suddenly we're not just interpreting the text differently,

spk_0 rewriting it. And that's where the unease sets in. Because once you start altering Voldemort at

spk_0 that level, what else becomes fair game? Do we tweak Dumbledore's backstory? Do we make

spk_0 Umbridge nice? How about we make Hagrid Evil? If these rumors turn out to be true, then the real

spk_0 question we have to ask is this. Is HBO genuinely committed to delivering a faithful adaptation,

spk_0 or is faithful just a marketing buzzword while the story is quietly rewritten behind the scenes?

spk_0 So what do I make of all this? If Voldemort is cast as a woman, it would mark one of the most

spk_0 radical interpretations of a character in recent memory, and most importantly, a blatant betrayal

spk_0 of Rowling's original text. But until Warner Rose confirms casting, all of this remains a rumour,

spk_0 and that's it for today's video. Hopefully that gets you all up to date with a new show.

spk_0 If the video helped you out, then please give it a like and subscribe to the channel.

spk_0 Until next time, remember, it does not do to dwell on dreams, and forget to live.

Complete Guide to HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot — Full Cast, Rumors & Updates

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