HBO's upcoming Harry Potter reboot is one of the most anticipated projects. With an already established fanbase, the series comes with a lot of pressure in terms of casting, storytelling, and universe.

With a premiere date tentatively set for 2026, HBO hasn't revealed any details about the upcoming project. The only known details were Warner Bros. Discovery's pledge for a more accurate depiction of the seven novels in J.K. Rowling's original Harry Potter series, and that critically acclaimed actor John Lithgow will be the new Professor Albus Dumbledore. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the series has received a disappointing update for the movie fans.

Speaking whether the new series will feature any of the original actors, Warner Bros. Discovery's IP exec Sarah Aubrey revealed the executives are looking at new, fresh talent, instead of casting some of the original actors.

"Yeah, ," the exec noted about the ongoing interest in the upcoming series.

"But , so that’s also ," Aubrey explained. "But the commitment is to make the books, and that’s what it could be."

The conversation had moved from other highly popular HBO Original series, the dark comedy anthology The White Lotus and Euphoria. "But , like the Sirius Blacks of the world. So, it’s been very, very fun, but ."

"And , but I also think because it’s going to be eight hours of TV,

The series will continue Harry Potter's longtime relationship with Warner Bros., and will have Francesca Gardiner as a showrunner and writer. Mark Mylod, who worked with Gardiner on Succession, is set to direct several episodes. David Hayman returns as a producer, with Rowling reportedly attached, as well.

Aubrey also revealed the Harry Potter reboot team is not as big as people would expect. "No, Many other kitchens have more cooks! I’ll stop [with the metaphor] but I work really closely with, and , and that’s the group and that’s who is doing it."

The original Harry Potter film series, which premiered in 2000 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and ended in 2011 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the leading roles. At the same time, it featured a long series of critically acclaimed British and Irish actors, including the late actors Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, and Maggie Smith, as well as Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham-Carter, and Warwick Davis. Many of them became synonymous with their on-screen characters and one of the reboot's hardest jobs will be to recreate the same magical cast.

However, as the exec has highlighted, the reboot needs a new slate to succeed. The lead actor Daniel Radcliffe was among the first members of the original cast to note that. Like the rest of the world, ” Radcliffe told E! News in May 2024, replying, "" about a possible appearance. "I think they very wisely want to [have] a clean break. And I don't know if it would work to have us do anything in it."

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also shut down the idea of an appearance. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, joked he sent in his audition tape to play Hermione, but didn't reveal any interest in joining the reboot.

Aside from Lithgow, there have been several rumors about the new cast, including Cillian Murphy as Professor Quirrell, but none have been officially confirmed yet. The HBO Harry Potter TV series is expected to begin filming this summer, with a release in 2026.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter