Warner Bros. Shocks Fans, Casts Once-Axed Character in ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot

The wizarding world is returning to the screen once again—but this time, it’s leaving little behind.

When Warner Bros. confirmed a full TV reboot of Harry Potter in 2023, reactions were divided. While some fans welcomed the idea of adapting each book across seven seasons, others questioned whether such a move was necessary so soon after the blockbuster films ended. Concerns only grew louder once J.K. Rowling’s name appeared in the credits.

Even so, the studio is pressing forward. Filming officially began this week on Season 1, and early signs suggest a more faithful rendering of the books—down to the minor characters previously left on the cutting room floor.

A New Cast Heads to Hogwarts

The new Harry Potter series introduces Dominic McLaughlin in the title role, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The supporting cast also features heavyweights: John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.

Early set images from London Zoo quickly sparked conversation. Just as in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), the reboot is filming the pivotal sequence where Harry unwittingly speaks Parseltongue and sets a snake on his cousin. But this time, the scene—and its players—look a little different.

In the photos, fans noticed actors Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Petunia and Vernon Dursley. More notably, the images revealed Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley and Mickey McAnulty as his friend and fellow bully, Piers Polkiss.

While Piers appears in the books, he never made it to the original films. His inclusion now is a small but pointed sign: this version isn’t skipping over the fine print.

Dudley Dursley with his friend Piers Polkiss at the London Zoo

Filming for the HARRY POTTER TV series lasted a day yesterday in the penguin enclosure and reptile house pic.twitter.com/FZwNewJ0wJ

— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) July 17, 2025

“Harry Potter” fans online have praised the decision to spotlight more of the 1990s aesthetic and honor characters omitted from the movies. The first adaptation was shot at the turn of the millennium, just as the books were still being published. This time, the production team seems intent on preserving more of Rowling’s source material—even the parts that feel less cinematic.

Restoring What Was Lost in the Wizarding World

The appearance of Piers Polkiss may seem trivial, but it opens the door to other characters fans once thought they’d never see. Those familiar with the books will recall that several key players were absent from the original film franchise, largely due to time and budget constraints.

Among them: Winky the house-elf, Ludo Bagman, the Gaunt family, and even Andromeda Tonks. Most famously, Charlie Weasley—Ron’s dragon-wrangling older brother—was reduced to off-screen references. His presence at Bill’s wedding in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was notably skipped.

Whether these figures make it into the series remains to be seen. But if Warner Bros. is willing to cast Piers, a character who exists purely to emphasize how miserable Harry’s childhood was, then it’s safe to assume more deep cuts are on the way.

In fact, the studio appears to be guarding some details with care. One major mystery still hangs over the reboot: the identity of Lord Voldemort. While names like Tom Hiddleston and James McAvoy have surfaced in speculative reports, Warner Bros. is playing this card close to its chest. According to a recent update, fans won’t learn who plays the Dark Lord until he makes his debut on-screen.

For now, filming for the first season is expected to continue through May 2026, with production on Season 2 reportedly starting soon after. Surprises have been teased by Warner Bros., though it remains unclear whether these refer to plot adjustments or casting reveals.

Are you excited for the Harry Potter reboot?