J.K. Rowling says the scripts for HBO’s upcoming New Harry Potter series are “SO, SO, SO GOOD,” giving the long‑gestating reboot her personal seal of approval.
The author—who serves as executive producer—shared the endorsement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming she has worked “closely with the extremely talented writers” on the first two episodes.
Below, we unpack everything revealed so far: showrunner details, full cast list, production timeline, and how Rowling’s involvement could shape the adaptation.
Key Takeaways From Rowling’s Statement
- Active Script Feedback – While initial reports suggested minimal day‑to‑day input, Rowling confirms direct collaboration on drafts by showrunner Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials).
- Tone Reassurance – By praising the scripts as “faithful,” Rowling signals that fans can expect a narrative aligned closely with the original novels rather than radical reinterpretation.
- Brand Continuity – HBO’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, maintains crucial ties with Rowling via existing Wizarding World licensing; her public thumbs‑up helps smooth consumer‑confidence after years of controversy.
Cast: A New Trio Takes the Mantle
| Character | Actor | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter | Dominic McLaughlin | West End revival of Oliver! |
| Hermione Granger | Arabella Stanton | His Dark Materials S3 guest arc |
| Ron Weasley | Alastair Stout | Sex Education S5 (upcoming) |
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow | The Crown, Interstellar |
| Severus Snape | Paapa Essiedu | Black Mirror, I May Destroy You |
| Minerva McGonagall | Janet McTeer | Ozark, Jessica Jones |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost | Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead |
The New Harry Potter series also enlists Johnny Flynn (Lucius Malfoy), Katherine Parkinson (Molly Weasley) and Bel Powley (Petunia Dursley), ensuring a blend of prestige‑drama vets and rising newcomers.
Creative Team
- Showrunner / Head Writer: Francesca Gardiner
- Director & EP (multiple episodes): Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones)
- Executive Producers: J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley‑Letts (Brontë Film & TV), David Heyman (Heyday Films)
Gardiner reportedly crafted a detailed seven‑season outline, each season adapting one novel, allowing space for character moments often trimmed from the films.
Production Timeline and Locations
| Date | Milestone |
| Mid‑July 2025 | Principal photography begins—Leavesden Studios & Scottish Highlands |
| Q1 2026 | Location shoot in Portugal for Quidditch World Cup flashback |
| Holiday 2026 | Season 1 premiere on HBO and Max |
The studio has locked nine soundstages at Leavesden, plus newly built exterior sets for Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest.
Controversy Watch: Rowling’s Public Image vs. Audience Demand
Rowling’s anti‑transgender remarks remain a lightning rod. HBO’s content chief Casey Bloys said he is “not concerned” about backlash, citing brand durability. Still, marketing insiders expect a two‑track campaign: spotlighting inclusive cast hires while keeping Rowling’s role subdued outside fan‑targeted press.
Potential Impact on Reception
- Positive: Original creator blessing boosts hardcore fandom confidence after Fantastic Beasts fatigue.
- Negative: Portions of Gen‑Z may boycott; HBO Max could face internal employee petitions (paralleling the Hogwarts Legacy videogame debate).
What the Scripts Might Include
Rowling’s praise hints that Gardiner’s episodes retain darker subplots excised from the 2001 film:
- Peeves the Poltergeist – absent from movies, beloved by readers.
- Detailed Potions Lessons – expanded Snape‑vs‑Harry tension.
- Extended Dursley Psychology – Powley and Rigby reportedly film flashbacks exploring Petunia’s jealousy toward Lily Evans.
Industry Significance
The New Harry Potter series marks Warner Bros. Discovery’s most expensive TV gamble since House of the Dragon, with early budgets estimated at $150 million per season. Success could revive ancillary Wizarding World ventures, including a long‑rumored Voldermort origins spinoff.
Fan Checklist Ahead of Filming
- Re‑read Philosopher’s Stone before July 2025 to compare dialogue fidelity.
- Track casting for Gilderoy Lockhart and Tom Riddle (TBA late 2025).
- Expect Comic‑Con 2026 exclusive teaser revealing first Quidditch match footage.
Final Word
With Rowling publicly endorsing early scripts, the New Harry Potter series enters production under a cloak of both excitement and scrutiny. If Gardiner and Mylod can translate the books’ minutiae to prestige television without alienating new audiences, Hogwarts may cast its spell over yet another generation.
