Harry Potter Series Shares First Image As Production Begins

It’s not September yet, but it is – officially – time to return to Hogwarts. Years ago, Warner Bros announced plans to re-adapt the Harry Potter novels as an HBO series, and now those plans are officially afoot: the series has just entered production, revealing the first image of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry himself. Whatever your thoughts on the series, it’s undeniable: McLaughlin absolutely looks the part in those Hogwarts robes.

The series is set to adapt JK Rowling’s books in more detail than the films were able to, with Francesca Gardiner as showrunner, and Mark Mylod as lead director. Alongside McLaughlin as Harry, the series has cast fellow newcomers Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton as Ron and Hermione, respectively. With filming now underway, a handful of extra cast members have been announced – most notably, Anton Lesser (aka Partagaz from Andor) will play wandmaker Ollivander, and Sherlock’s Louise Brealey will be flying instructor Madam Hooch. The series has also cast Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley.

This begins a major venture for HBO – if the plan comes off to adapt all seven books, expect the Harry Potter series to be in production for the best part of the next decade. The first season will arrive in 2027, and while it’s currently unconfirmed when future seasons will debut, production will have to move fast to keep up with the young cast as they age with the roles. Here’s hoping the results are wizard.