A captivating new chapter in the Wizarding World is officially underway. HBO, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television, Brontë Film & TV, and Heyday Films, has commenced principal photography on its much-anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation at Leavesden Studios, the very site where the original film series was produced.
On July 14, 2025, the first on-set photograph surfaced online, offering fans a tantalising glimpse of Dominic McLaughlin in full wizarding attire as Harry Potter. The setting and costume artistry evoke a faithful nod to the beloved films, signalling a respectful visual bridge between formats.
The cast and creative team is made up of Dominic McLaughlin who portrays Harry Potter; joined by Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. All three were revealed in late May 2025, selected from a competitive pool of over 32,000 young actors. The cast for the supporting roles include John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid
These veteran actors were confirmed by April 2025.
At the helm of the series is Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession and His Dark Materials, with Succession director Mark Mylod attached to helm multiple episodes. Executive producers include Gardiner, Mylod, original films’ producer David Heyman, and J.K. Rowling, ensuring strong ties to the source material.
Filming commenced mid-July 2025 at Leavesden Studios, with famed cinematographer Adriano Goldman leading the visuals. Beyond the iconic studio, shooting also took place on-location in Brittany, France, including scenes at the Tévennec Lighthouse, as part of early production work in May 2025.
Originally slated for Max, HBO officially took over the series in June 2024, consolidating into a cohesive launch strategy. At that time, the plan was for a seven-season adaptation, each closely following a single book. The current timeline projects a premiere in early 2027.
This television format represents a sweeping, in-depth reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s seminal novels. With a show runner/director duo experienced in high-caliber drama, along with a young core cast and seasoned supporting players, the series aims to explore every nuance of the wizarding saga. Expect a richer emphasis on secondary characters and subplots, benefiting from expanded screen time.
With production officially underway, excitement is mounting across the Harry Potter universe. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates are sure to follow as filming progresses!
Source: Variety
