Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-gestating Harry Potter television series is moving steadily toward production, with a potential filming start date now just days away.
The project, first announced in 2023, will adapt all seven of J.K. Rowling’s books across multiple seasons, with each installment focusing on a single year in the story. Developed initially under Max (now once again known as HBO Max), the reboot is now under HBO’s oversight, following ongoing changes at Warner Bros. Discovery.
The series is being framed as a more expansive retelling of the Harry Potter books, with a closer adherence to the source material than the original film series. The creative team has emphasized that this version will explore characters and plotlines that were omitted or compressed in the movies.
‘Harry Potter’ Construction Nears Completion
Recent weeks have seen growing activity at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location where much of the original film series was shot. New images shared on social media appear to show near-finished sets for Privet Drive and Platform 9¾. Production Weekly has listed July 14 as the show’s filming start date, though HBO has not confirmed the report.
Also unconfirmed—but widely discussed—is the possibility that seasons one and two will be filmed back to back. The move would mirror the early pace of the original films, which shot Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets in quick succession to maintain continuity among the young cast.
According to Production Weekly, they’re filming season 1 and 2 of the HARRY POTTER TV series back-to-back Please note that this is not 100% confirmed and may be based on a misunderstood quote from Casey Bloys
According to Production Weekly, they’re filming season 1 and 2 of the HARRY POTTER TV series back-to-back
Please note that this is not 100% confirmed and may be based on a misunderstood quote from Casey Bloys pic.twitter.com/dlteU2hrk2
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) July 11, 2025
According to Production Weekly, the back-to-back schedule is under consideration, though it may stem from earlier comments by HBO CEO Casey Bloys that were misunderstood. Still, with the goal of adapting all seven books over a 10-year span, such a decision would be consistent with the production demands of a youth-led series.
‘Harry Potter’ Reboot’s Cast and Direction
The reboot’s new cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The trio will be joined by an ensemble of established performers, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy.
Directing duties for the first season will be led by Mark Mylod (Succession), with Francesca Gardiner serving as showrunner. The production will also incorporate familiar elements from the original films, including John Williams’ “Hedwig’s Theme,” which featured prominently in the teaser released earlier this year.
Though the show is being promoted as a return to the tone and structure of the books, the use of legacy design features—such as the Great Hall—suggests a continued visual through-line with the original film series.
No official premiere date has been set, but early estimates suggest a release window in 2026. As of now, Warner Bros. and HBO have not issued a statement on the filming schedule or confirmed how many seasons are planned to shoot initially.
The Harry Potter television reboot is one of the highest-profile projects in HBO’s upcoming slate and a key part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader strategy to revitalize major IP for streaming. Whether the show can balance fan expectations with long-form storytelling remains to be seen, but for now, all signs point to production ramping up within the week.
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