Warner Bros. has been talking about making a Harry Potter TV series since 2021, but the project is finally picking up some traction. HBO has announced that an open casting call is getting underway in the United Kingdom to fill the primary roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
The network is looking for children between the ages of 9-11 who are citizens of either the United Kingdom or Ireland. According to the notice posted on the Wizarding World’s official site, HBO’s flyer states that it is “committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” before inviting parents or guardians to submit performers “without regard to ethnicity, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.”
Since the series is going to adapt all seven of the original novels, whoever is cast as the new Harry, Ron, and Hermione may get the chance to grow into the roles as Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson did over two decades ago when they were cast in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers’ Stone.
A Black actress was cast as the older Hermione in the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and the TV show may have the freedom to go even further with diverse casting. But like all things Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views continue to hang over the franchise. Radcliffe, Watson, and other members of the movie cast have spoken out against Rowling’s views, but the author continues to share her opinions despite alienating herself from fans of the franchise.
The Harry Potter TV series is expected to begin filming next year and premiere on HBO and Max in 2026.
