Owls at the ready, Potterheads: HBO’s Harry Potter series just filled three more roles, and one of them is the pair of parents who shape Harry’s entire story. Jasper Talbot is James Potter, Hannah Chinn is Lily Potter, and Harry Gilby is Charlie Weasley.
The series is heading toward a Christmas 2026 release on HBO and HBO Max, and the casting news keeps coming. Everything below is tied to the source, anything that may be out of date is flagged, and where the coverage runs out of details, we’ll say so. Here’s the full rundown.
As shared by Deadline, “’Harry Potter’ Series Finds Its Lily & James Potter In Jasper Talbot & Hannah Chinn; Harry Gilby To Play Charlie Weasley”
‘Harry Potter’ Series Finds Its Lily & James Potter In Jasper Talbot & Hannah Chinn; Harry Gilby To Play Charlie Weasley https://t.co/oPrqkl2jeN
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 27, 2026
The Quick List
- James Potter: Jasper Talbot
- Lily Potter: Hannah Chinn
- Charlie Weasley: Harry Gilby
- Release: Season 1 at Christmas 2026 on HBO and HBO Max
- Based on: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Meet the Newcomers
HBO’s Harry Potter series has cast the roles of James and Lily Potter with Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn, respectively. Harry Gilby joins as Charlie Weasley, the second eldest son of Molly and Arthur Weasley after Bill, whose siblings also include Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny.
According to the report, Talbot is represented by United Agents, Chinn by 42, and Gilby by Independent Talent Group and Untitled Entertainment.
The Parents Question
The report says Harry’s parents did not appear much in the hit films, and it’s unknown how big a role they’ll play in the new series. In the first novel, it says, Voldemort killed James and Lily. Lily sacrificed her life to protect baby Harry, and the curse bounced off Harry, leaving the dark wizard without a physical form. Harry was left with a lightning bolt scar.
The Plot of Season 1
The series begins with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Harry (Dominic McLaughlin) has nothing special about him, or so his Aunt Petunia (Bel Powley) tells him. Then a mysterious letter of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, opening the door to a hidden world of magic, friendship, and adventure.
Behind Hogwarts’ enchanted walls lie dark secrets, and Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.
Timeline Check
- April 2023: Warner Bros. Discovery confirms a series based on all seven books at its Max streaming event.
- June 25: It’s revealed the project is moving to HBO.
- End of 2024: Showrunner Francesca Gardiner reveals that 32,000 young actors auditioned for Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
- July 14, 2025: Cameras begin rolling at Leavesden.
- Christmas 2026: Season 1 is slated to release.
The Whole Cast
The report names Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Also on the list: Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland as George Weasley, Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, William Nash as Gregory Goyle, Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, Sirine Saba as Pomona Sprout, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Richard Durden as Cuthbert Binns, Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch, Bríd Brennan as Poppy Pomfrey, Leigh Gill as Griphook, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
Why So Young?
Warner Bros. wanted young actors, given that the series proceeds through Rowling’s books in order, according to the coverage. “The tricky part is the first two books, where the kids are on the younger end, around 11 or 12,” said Warner Bros. TV Group Chairman Channing Dungey of the casting process.
Season 2 News
HBO has renewed the series for a second season, per the coverage, elevating Jon Brown from a Season 1 writer to co-showrunner alongside Francesca Gardiner.
Gracie Cochrane won’t return as Ginny Weasley from Season 2 onward, with the coverage describing her departure as “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Bonnie Hill takes over. Kit Harington is reported as Gilderoy Lockhart, replacing Nicholas Hoult, per Deadline. Lenny Rush plays Dobby, Billy Barratt plays Tom Riddle, Molly Hewitt-Richards plays Moaning Myrtle, Rafe Spall plays Arthur Weasley, and Jasper Ambrose plays Colin Creevey.
The coverage says Season 2 was aiming to start production in the fall, which may be out of date.
The Creative Team
Francesca Gardiner writes and executive produces. Mark Mylod executive produces and will direct multiple episodes, for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The executive producers also include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, David Heyman of Heyday Films, Laura Neal, and Jon Brown. Gardiner and Mylod previously worked together on Succession, the coverage notes.
Trailers
A first teaser trailer was released on March 25, per the coverage, and a fuller trailer on Sept. 2, after what has become known as return-to-Hogwarts day on Sept. 1.
What HBO’s Boss Said
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, said of the project, “This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years,” and assured fans it would be “a faithful adaptation.” He also said the project would run for “10 consecutive years.”
Sound Off
Who are you most curious about: James, Lily, or Charlie? Tell us in the comments how you picture Harry’s parents on screen, and whether you’re already counting down to Christmas 2026.
