Wizarding World in Uproar as Fans React to Latest ‘Harry Potter’ Casting Choices
When it comes to modern pop culture, few stories have had the kind of impact that J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter has achieved. What began as a set of books written by a relatively unknown author quickly grew into one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world.
Over the years, fans have found themselves immersed in the wizarding world through not just novels and films, but also video games, stage plays, theme park lands, and merchandise that seems to be everywhere. The original film series, which began in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and ended with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 2011, has maintained a lasting legacy that continues to inspire fans more than a decade later.
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That legacy has not always been straightforward. In 2021, reports began circulating that Warner Bros. and HBO were working on a brand-new television series set in the wizarding world. At first, both companies publicly denied those claims, stating that nothing of the sort was in development. However, in April 2023, the news changed. The series was officially announced, confirming what many had suspected for years: a new take on Harry Potter was on its way.
Now, two years after that confirmation, the show is officially underway. Filming has begun in the United Kingdom, and in some cases, production has returned to familiar sets and locations that fans know well from the original movies. Scheduled for release in early 2027, the series has already revealed a number of its major casting choices.
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Among the new faces are Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. It’s a lineup that combines young talent with seasoned veterans, aiming to give the series both freshness and credibility.
But the casting choice that has drawn the most attention came with the announcement on September 1 that Warwick Davis would be returning to play Professor Filius Flitwick, the Charms teacher and head of Ravenclaw house. While Davis’s return might have been expected to draw cheers, many fans were left scratching their heads.
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Critics of the decision have pointed out that the purpose of a reboot is to reimagine and retell, and that bringing back actors from the original films undercuts that very idea.
Entertainment writer Peter Sciretta echoed the confusion, sharing on X (formerly Twitter):
The more and more I see and hear about this series the more I don’t understand why it needs to exist. If you’re going to make everything look the same as the movies and even cast the same actors in some roles, what’s the point?
The more and more I see and hear about this series the more I don’t understand why it needs to exist. If you’re going to make everything look the same as the movies and even cast the same actors in some roles, what’s the point? https://t.co/0Y1XcGxZwa
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) September 1, 2025
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Other fans expressed similar frustrations, suggesting that the return of Warwick Davis and the recycling of familiar visuals would strip the reboot of its uniqueness.
Theme park journalist Alicia Stella said that the franchise did not need to be redone.
“That’s a good start. Now bring back more original actors and the same sets and costumes and music and don’t remake it because it’s already a beloved film series and doesn’t need to be made again already.”
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Some fans even drew comparisons to other franchises. One pointed out how Dame Judi Dench reprised her role as M in the James Bond films during the Daniel Craig era, but explained that the circumstances were different.
“On the one hand I get bringing back Judi Dench as M for the Daniel Craig James Bond movies cause it was a different take on the character but bringing back Warwick Davis for Harry Potter a show that will basically have the same visuals/sets/costumes/plot?”
On the one hand I get bringing back Judi Dench as M for the Daniel Craig James Bond movies cause it was a different take on the character but bringing back Warwick Davis for Harry Potter a show that will basically have the same visuals/sets /costumes/plot? pic.twitter.com/4ciRAfh0uB
— Niklander (@Niklander3) September 1, 2025
The backlash has overshadowed other recent casting announcements as well. Alongside Davis’s return, HBO confirmed that William Nash will play Gregory Goyle, Elijah Oshin will portray Dean Thomas, and Finn Stephens has been cast as Vincent Crabbe. Hogwarts faculty additions include Bríd Brennan as Madam Poppy Pomfrey, Richard Durden as Professor Cuthbert Binns, and Sirine Saba as Professor Pomona Sprout.
While these choices might normally spark spirited discussion among fans, the overwhelming reaction has remained focused on why the show is pulling back actors from the original films instead of committing fully to a fresh approach.
What do you think about Warwick Davis returning to Hogwarts for the new Harry Potter series? Would you like to see more original actors reprise their roles, or do you think the reboot should rely only on new faces? Is it too soon to remake such an iconic franchise, or are you eager to see a more detailed adaptation of the books? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and let us know how you feel about the future of the wizarding world.
