The highly anticipated Harry Potter television series is officially set to begin production next summer at the very same UK studios where the beloved original films were made. HBO Max confirmed that filming will take place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the iconic location where Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint first brought J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to life on the big screen.
This new Harry Potter show promises to be an ambitious endeavor, with plans for seven seasons—each one adapting one of the seven books from Rowling’s globally cherished series. Such a bold structure aims to deliver a deeper, richer exploration of the magical universe, potentially outshining previous adaptations in scope and narrative detail.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is shaping up to be just as impressive. Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, has been appointed both writer and showrunner. Mark Mylod, who also has credits on Succession, is slated to direct multiple episodes, adding further pedigree to the project’s artistic vision.
The series was originally anticipated earlier but was recently delayed until 2027. This timeline adjustment was revealed during a Wells Fargo technology and media conference, where Warner Bros. Discovery’s global streaming chief, JB Perrette, described the upcoming show as a monumental event: “As you look at ’26 and into ’27, you begin a 10-year journey on the Harry Potter series, which we’re super excited about. And I’d argue, may be the biggest event by the time we get to that series.”
HBO Max took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the filming start date and location with enthusiasm: “Wands at the ready. The upcoming HBO Original Series, #HarryPotter, will be filming at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden with production beginning in Summer 2025 and coming to Max.” This official confirmation has only fueled excitement among fans eager to see the next chapter of the franchise unfold.
Casting for the series is still ongoing, with no leads officially announced yet. Open casting calls took place in the UK and Ireland as recently as September, suggesting that the production is on track to find fresh faces to embody the iconic roles. Meanwhile, speculation about potential cast members has run rampant in the fan community.
A particularly compelling rumor involves Cillian Murphy as a possible new Voldemort. Murphy has been a fan favorite for the dark wizard role since casting calls began, and now Ralph Fiennes—who famously portrayed Voldemort from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire onward—has publicly endorsed Murphy. During an appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, Fiennes was asked about the possibility, responding warmly: “Cillian is a fantastic actor. That’s a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favour of Cillian. Yeah.”
Additionally, Mark Rylance is reportedly the frontrunner to take on the role of Dumbledore, sparking even more intrigue about the new series’ approach to its beloved characters. Both actors bring strong dramatic credentials, promising a fresh yet respectful take on these iconic roles.
Despite some controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling due to her past comments on transgender issues, it was confirmed that she remains “fairly involved” in the new series. This involvement has sparked debate among fans, many of whom had previously voiced concerns about her influence on the franchise’s future direction.
As production gears up for next summer, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a landmark television event. With its original filming location, a top-tier creative team, and a fresh cast yet to be revealed, the new Harry Potter series is poised to reignite the magic for a new generation and long-time fans alike.
This seven-season commitment signals HBO Max’s faith in the enduring appeal of Rowling’s world, and viewers can expect a richly detailed, immersive adaptation that honors the spirit of the original stories while expanding on them in exciting new ways.
With filming starting in summer 2025 and the series slated for release on Max, the countdown has officially begun. Wands up, indeed—the wizarding world is preparing for a spellbinding comeback.
