HBO’s Harry Potter reboot begins filming! Get a first look at Dominic McLaughlin as Harry and Nick Frost as Hagrid in this magical series adaptation.
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Has Started Filming: A Reimagination featuring Nick Frost as Hagrid
The wizarding world is abuzz once more-and rumour has it, it isn’t for a new Fantastic Beasts film or a theme park expansion. HBO has officially begun filming for the much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot series. Now that the first official images have dropped, fans can get a first look at the new cast, starring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Nick Frost stepping into the large shoes of Rubeus Hagrid.
The web is flooded with excitement, questions, and comparisons-and I don’t blame them. This reboot is potentially a bold reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s glorious book series, with the promise of being truer to the texts over a multi-season span.
First Look: Meet Your New Harry and Hagrid
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
In this first photo released, Dominic McLaughlin is totally giving me “Boy Who Lived” vibes. He is seen sporting a Hogwarts uniform with Harry’s round glasses and Gryffindor tie colors. Not only does he look like a classic Harry Potter, he feels new, but familiar, and resonates as iconic in the role that Daniel Radcliffe made famous.
At just 14 years old, McLaughlin is younger than Radcliffe was upon his first audition for Harry in the film, and more in line with the age of the character from the first book.
Nick Frost in the role of Rubeus Hagrid
Arguably, the most talked-about casting announcement is Nick Frost as Hagrid. You may know Frost from his film roles in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End, but there is something unique about Frost—he has the warmth of Hagrid, the comedic timing and energy, and a palpable sense of kindness.
The recently released image shows Frost in full costume, with shaggy hair, a tall stature, and a beard that would make Robbie Coltrane proud. Frost’s portrayal will likely mix a rough and tumble personality with a heart, with Hagrid’s heavy love for animals and family-style comfort food.
Why This Reboot is Important
More Fidelity to the Novels
For years, fans have argued whether the filmmakers took too many liberties to adapt the books to film. For example, diehards will debate the decision to only depict one year of Edna the teacher from the entire S.P.E.W. story arc, cut out Florence’s arc entirely, and dramatically shorten Lupin’s and Tonks’ negotiated love plot arc as well.
This series aims to respect the material. HBO confirmed we would see each season would focus on one book, allowing for broader character arcs and nuance.
Representation and Diversity
HBO has also indicated that this will be a more inclusive series for a more inclusive Hogwarts. Some early casting announcements included actors of varied racial and cultural backgrounds, indicating some benefit to Connolly’s focus on a more modern picture of the wizarding world.
Behind the Scenes: What We Know
Production Details
Filming Location: Leavesden Studios in the UK (the same location as the original film)
Showrunner: Marta Reyes (formerly of His Dark Materials)
Cinematography: Greig Fraser, Oscar-winning cinematographer (Dune, The Batman)
Episode Count: 7 episodes per season, approximately 60 minutes each
Release Date: Set to release during the Fall of 2026
Who is Nick Frost?
Nick Frost is a British actor, comedian, and screenwriter known for his work with Simon Pegg in the “Cornetto Trilogy” (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End). Acting & comedy is his foundational talent, but Frost has demonstrated versatility in more serious writing and acting roles in projects he filmed, such as Fighting with My Family and Into the Badlands
Why He Is Right for Hagrid
Warmth of Presence: Frost has a natural charm that mirrors Hagrid’s kind and gentle disposition.
Physical Presence: At 6’1″ tall, and through the use of camera and costuming magic, he could fill out Hagrid’s boots.
Acting & Comedy Range: Frost could fill out the role as required, as he can go from slapstick to serious and should have a wide emotional range in playing Hagrid.
Can HBO Make It Happen?
HBO has the franchise of a lifetime with the Game of Thrones brand, and overwhelming budgets for shows like The Last of Us, they have certainly shown they can create epic television. But rebooting Harry Potter is about more than great writing and expensive visions; it is about recapturing the magic of a generation.
If it all goes to plan, this show could become one of the iconic cultural events of the decade. If it fails, they risk tarnishing the legacy of one of the most popular franchises in history.
A New Era of Magic Begins
Whether you’re already a dedicated Potterhead or more simply interested in seeing what HBO does with the franchise, the potential is here for the franchise to redefine magical storytelling on television. When Nick Frost can inject heart into Hagrid, and Dominic McLaughlin managed to awaken Harry’s soul, it feels like they have a good platform to build on.
With filming continuing and images emerging, we can anticipate the fanfare continuing to swell – vitriol or praise is still fanfare. One thing is for certain: magic is in the air again.
FAQs
1. Who has been cast as Harry Potter in the HBO series?
Dominic McLaughlin, a 14-year-old British actor, has been cast as Harry Potter. The role will be brought to life fresh yet true to the character.
2. Is Nick Frost actually playing Hagrid?
Yes! Nick Frost has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid. Some early pictures show him in character acting as Hagrid and capture the essence of Hagrid’s size and warmth.
3. When is the HBO Harry Potter series going to premiere?
There has not been an official release date given yet, but given where we are in production, Fall 2026 is likely.
4. Will the TV series be more focused on the books and detail than the movies?
Yes. Each season will be dedicated to one book, giving more detail and scope in adapting these books as a more faithful retelling.
5. Are any of the original film actors involved?
No. The series will have a completely new cast. However, HBO has said that the original film actors may have some legacy cameos or future spin-offs.
6. How many seasons are planned for the series?
There is a plan for 7 seasons, one for each book in the series.
7. Where is the series being filmed?
It is being filmed at Leavesden Studios in the UK, the same studio as the original films.