Another new actor has been cast in the role of Ron Weasley in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
The update adds a second performer to one of the franchise’s central characters as production continues on the long-form adaptation. HBO first announced the reboot in 2023, confirming plans to adapt each of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels as a full season of television.
The series is currently expected to premiere in 2027 and run for roughly a decade. HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery have said the television format allows for a closer adaptation of the books than was possible in the original films.
Filming began in July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England. The studio was also used throughout the production of the eight Harry Potter films released between 2001 and 2011.
Casting announcements have been made gradually. John Lithgow is set to play Albus Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape. Other adult and supporting roles have been revealed in stages.
The new Golden Trio was announced later. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton has been cast as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will take on the role of Ron Weasley.
Ron Weasley Gets a Second Actor
Stout will not be the only actor playing Ron Weasley in the series.
According to Redanian Intelligence, Louis Shelton has been cast as an older version of Ron for the Mirror of Erised scene. In the sequence, Ron sees himself as Head Boy and Gryffindor Quidditch Captain.
The Mirror of Erised appears early in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In the 2001 film adaptation, Ron explains what he sees in the mirror, but the image itself is never shown.
The HBO series is expected to show that vision on screen. Shelton’s role is tied specifically to that scene rather than Ron’s main storyline.
Louis Shelton has been cast as an older version of Ron Weasley in the HARRY POTTER TV series
He will be Ron’s vision in the Mirror of Erised when he sees himself as Head Boy
Louis Shelton has been cast as an older version of Ron Weasley in the HARRY POTTER TV series
He will be Ron's vision in the Mirror of Erised when he sees himself as Head Boy
(via @RedanianIntel) pic.twitter.com/GpjzCsR2vi
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) February 20, 2026
Shelton has previously appeared in stage productions of A Streetcar Named Desire, Hamlet, and Hedda Gabler.
The same scene also shows Harry looking into the mirror and seeing his parents, Lily and James Potter, along with other family members. Casting for Lily and James has not yet been announced.
Those characters could have a larger presence if the series expands on the Marauders era, which received little on-screen attention in the original films.
‘Harry Potter’ Season One Changes
Season one will follow the events of Sorcerer’s Stone, though several additions have already been reported.
Set images suggest that Nicolas Flamel will appear on screen alongside his wife, Perenelle. In the films, Flamel is referenced but never shown, despite his importance to the story.
Albus Dumbledore with Nicolas Flamel and his wife in the HARRY POTTER TV series
(via Terry Burton)
Albus Dumbledore with Nicolas Flamel and his wife in the HARRY POTTER TV series
(via Terry Burton) pic.twitter.com/trO5tcLEND
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025
Reports also indicate that one scene will depict Dumbledore visiting Flamel at his home. The interaction does not appear in the book or film versions.
The series will also introduce Charlie Weasley for the first time. Ron’s second-oldest brother is mentioned in multiple films but never appeared on screen.
Other characters expected to debut include Piers Polkiss, Dudley Dursley’s friend, and Professor Binns, the ghost who teaches History of Magic at Hogwarts.
The reboot continues to attract criticism due to J.K. Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer, following her past comments on transgender issues.
Rowling has been criticized by several former Harry Potter actors for her views, including Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson. The author slammed the latter in an X rant in 2025 after Watson discussed her feelings on their differences.
“It’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with,” Rowling said.
Rowling’s scathing response slammed Watson for being “ignorant.” She wrote, “Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
John Lithgow has addressed the subject while speaking at the Rotterdam Film Festival.
“I take the subject extremely seriously,” Lithgow said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “JK Rowling has created this amazing canon for young people, young kids’ literature that has jumped into the consciousness of society. Young and old people love ‘Harry Potter’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ stories.”
He added that he has never met Rowling and said she is “not really involved in this production at all.”
How do you feel about HBO’s Harry Potter reboot?
