HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series Unveils First Looks and Set Photos as Filming Begins

HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series has officially kicked off production, sparking excitement among fans with new first-look images and set photos that bring the wizarding world back to life.

Filming began in July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, and recent updates offer a glimpse into the highly anticipated adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books.

From casting reveals to behind-the-scenes details, here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments.

What Are the Latest First-Look Images for HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series?

HBO released the first image of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, showcasing the 11-year-old actor in his Gryffindor uniform, complete with round glasses and the iconic lightning bolt scar.

The photo, taken on set, captures McLaughlin holding a slate for the first episode, signaling the start of filming. Fans have praised the young actor’s resemblance to the book’s depiction of Harry, with many excited to see a fresh take on the Boy Who Lived.

Shortly after, HBO shared a first look at Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, sporting the character’s signature long beard and rugged attire. Frost, known for Shaun of the Dead, steps into the role previously played by Robbie Coltrane, and the image has fans buzzing about his portrayal of the lovable half-giant. These first looks mark a significant milestone, building anticipation for the series’ 2027 premiere.

Who Are the New Cast Members Joining the Wizarding World?

The series has announced several key cast members, adding to the excitement. Alongside McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout portrays Ron Weasley, forming the new Golden Trio. Selected from over 30,000 auditions, these young actors are set to lead a new generation of fans.

Additional casting includes Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.

Veteran actors also join the ensemble, with John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.

These choices blend fresh talent with established stars, promising a dynamic retelling of the story. Fans are particularly curious about how Essiedu’s Snape will compare to Alan Rickman’s iconic performance.

What Do the Recent Set Photos Reveal About the Production?

Set photos from HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series have surfaced, offering fans a peek at key locations. Images from London Zoo capture a scene from the first book, where Harry, played by McLaughlin, visits with his Muggle relatives, the Dursleys.

The photos show Amos Kitson as Dudley, Bel Powley as Aunt Petunia, and Daniel Rigby as Uncle Vernon, dressed in period-appropriate 1990s attire. The zoo setting recreates the moment Harry magically frees a snake, a pivotal early scene.

Additional leaks reveal the construction of Privet Drive at Leavesden Studios. Unlike the original films, which used the existing set now part of a studio tour, the series is building a new version of the Dursleys’ home.

Fans have noted the detailed craftsmanship, with comments on X praising HBO’s commitment to creating authentic, large-scale sets rather than relying heavily on green screens. The production is also building a school set to accommodate up to 600 young actors, hinting at the series’ ambitious scope.

Who Is Behind the Creative Vision of the Series?

The creative team for HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series is stacked with talent. Francesca Gardiner, known for Succession and His Dark Materials, serves as showrunner and writer, ensuring a faithful adaptation with added depth.

Mark Mylod, a director from Succession, will helm multiple episodes and executive produce alongside Gardiner. J.K. Rowling is also an executive producer, joined by Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman.

The production crew includes award-winning professionals like costume designer Holly Waddington (Poor Things), director of photography Adriano Goldman (The Crown), and visual effects supervisor Alexis Wajsbrot (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3).

This team’s expertise suggests a visually stunning series that honors the books’ rich details while exploring new storytelling opportunities afforded by the long-form format.

Key Takeaways:

• First Looks Released: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Nick Frost as Hagrid unveiled in costume, signaling the start of filming at Leavesden Studios.

• New Cast Announced: Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander join the ensemble.

• Set Photos Leak: Images from London Zoo show the Dursleys in 1990s attire, while Privet Drive is being rebuilt for the series.

• Creative Team: Francesca Gardiner (showrunner) and Mark Mylod (director) lead a talented crew, with J.K. Rowling as executive producer.

• Premiere Set for 2027: Each of the seven books will become a season, with Season 1 filming until spring 2026.

When Will the Series Premiere, and What Can Fans Expect?

HBO has confirmed the series will premiere in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max, with each of the seven books adapted into a full season.

Filming for Season 1, covering Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is expected to continue until spring 2026, with Season 2 following shortly after.

The decade-long project aims to dive deeper into the books’ narratives, offering details and character moments not seen in the films.

Rowling has expressed enthusiasm for the scripts, calling them “so, so good,” and HBO promises a faithful adaptation filled with the magic, characters, and locations fans adore.

With a reported budget between $2 billion and $8 billion, the series is poised to be a premium production, blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives.

Why Is This Series Generating So Much Buzz?

The combination of new talent, iconic characters, and a high-caliber creative team has fans eagerly awaiting HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series.

The first-look images and set photos have amplified excitement, showing a commitment to authenticity and grandeur.

However, some fans express mixed feelings due to Rowling’s controversial views, though HBO has defended her involvement, emphasizing her role in preserving the story’s integrity.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As production ramps up, the series is shaping up to be a magical journey for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Stay tuned for more updates as HBO brings Hogwarts back to the small screen in 2027.