HBO’s new Harry Potter series has officially kicked off production—and with the announcement, our first proper look at the new Boy Who Lived.

In a freshly unveiled image, young actor Dominic McLaughlin stands in costume as Harry Potter, clad in the familiar Hogwarts robes and signature round specs, next to a clapperboard reading “Season One, Episode One.” With the cameras now rolling at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., the next chapter in the Wizarding World is no longer a distant spell—it’s happening.

A New Generation Steps Into Hogwarts

McLaughlin leads a new trio of heroes (pictured up top), joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The three were chosen from more than 30,000 hopefuls after a wide-reaching casting call last year.

Joining them in the newly announced cast are Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Ollivander. These fresh faces stand alongside previously announced cast members including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.

The extended ensemble also includes Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as the Dursleys, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as the grumbling caretaker Argus Filch.

Behind the Camera: A Big League Creative Team

Showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession) is at the helm, with Emmy-winner Mark Mylod (Game of Thrones, The Menu) directing multiple episodes. Both also serve as executive producers, alongside J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman—who returns after producing the original film series.

There’s also a seriously stacked team working behind the scenes: Adriano Goldman is handling cinematography, Cate Hall is on hair and makeup, and Holly Waddington leads the costume department. Creature effects, stunts, and VFX are in the hands of seasoned pros, including John Nolan and Alexis Wajsbrot.

When the Magic Returns

HBO has set the series for a 2027 debut on both HBO and HBO Max, with rollout also planned for markets including Germany, Italy, and the U.K. Each book will be adapted into a full season, and production on the first chapter—expected to cover Philosopher’s Stone—is slated to run until spring 2026. Season two is already expected to follow soon after.

It’s been nearly 14 years since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 closed the book on the original film saga. Now, a fresh take is in motion, with a new cast and creative team bringing the Wizarding World to life for longtime fans and curious newcomers alike. Fingers crossed it delivers!