Back in 2021, it was reported that Warner Bros. had teamed up with HBO to create a brand-new series based on J.K. Rowling’s life-changing Harry Potter books. However, both Warner Bros. and HBO denied those claims, saying there was no such series in development. Two years later, in April 2023, the companies announced that there was actually a series in development.
Now, more than two years after the series’ confirmation, casting for many major roles has been announced. Filming has begun in the United Kingdom, even going back to some of the original sets and locations. The series is expected to be released in early 2027.
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On September 1, it was announced that Warwick Davis would be returning to the series to play Professor Flitwick, the beloved Charms professor and head of Ravenclaw house. Davis will be joined by newcomers and seasoned veterans, including Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), Nick Frost (Hagrid), and Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), just to name a few.
The series has been controversial since the initial 2021 announcement. Many dedicated fans felt that it was too soon to make a new Harry Potter television show, especially since the last film just came out in 2011. However, there were some who were thrilled to hear that the series will go deeper into the books than the movies. Plus, it will introduce a new generation to the magic of the wizarding world.
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Unfortunately, the announcement of Warwick Davis’ return as Professor Flitwick did not go over as well as HBO and Warner Bros. were hoping it would. Fans wondered what the point of bringing back original actors was, especially if the new series wanted to offer a fresh new look at the events of the wizarding world and Harry’s time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The more and more I see and hear about this series the more I don’t understand why it needs to exist. If you’re going to make everything look the same as the movies and even cast the same actors in some roles, what’s the point?
The more and more I see and hear about this series the more I don’t understand why it needs to exist. If you’re going to make everything look the same as the movies and even cast the same actors in some roles, what’s the point? https://t.co/0Y1XcGxZwa
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) September 1, 2025
Related: HBO Reveals First Look at New ‘Harry Potter’!
Others voiced the same sentiment, saying that bringing back some actors from the original franchise just showed that a new series is not necessary. The film franchise is one of the most successful in history, and they are worried that the magical memories might be ruined if the series doesn’t live up to the high standards already set.
That’s a good start. Now bring back more original actors and the same sets and costumes and music and don’t remake it because it’s already a beloved film series and doesn’t need to be made again already.
That’s a good start. Now bring back more original actors and the same sets and costumes and music and don’t remake it because it’s already a beloved film series and doesn’t need to be made again already. https://t.co/Q3f4LGhTRA
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) September 1, 2025
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Others pointed out that this would not be the first time an original actor was brought back for a new film or television show — specifically pointing to Dame Judy Dench as M in the James Bond franchise. When she returned as M in the Daniel Craig movies, her character wasn’t the one viewers had known; she had a fresh, new take.
On the one hand I get bringing back Judi Dench as M for the Daniel Craig James Bond movies cause it was a different take on the character but bringing back Warwick Davis for Harry Potter a show that will basically have the same visuals/sets /costumes/plot?
On the one hand I get bringing back Judi Dench as M for the Daniel Craig James Bond movies cause it was a different take on the character but bringing back Warwick Davis for Harry Potter a show that will basically have the same visuals/sets /costumes/plot? pic.twitter.com/4ciRAfh0uB
— Niklander (@Niklander3) September 1, 2025
In addition to announcing Warwick Davis’ return as Professor Flitwick, HBO also revealed even more roles had been cast. William Nash will play Gregory Goyle, Elijah Oshin will play Dean Thomas, and Finn Stephens has been cast as Vincent Crabbe.
Hogwarts’ faculty also continues to grow, as Bríd Brennan has been cast as Madam Poppy Pomfrey (head of Hogwarts hospital), Richard Durden as Professor Cuthbert Binns (History of Magic), and Sirine Saba as Professor Pomona Sprout (Herbology).
What do you think about Warwick Davis returning to Hogwarts for the new Harry Potter series? Would you like to see more original actors reprise their roles? Or do you think the new series should only have new faces? Is it too soon to remake such an iconic franchise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
The post Fans Are NOT Happy About ‘Harry Potter’ Casting News appeared first on Inside the Magic.
