An image from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
HBO has officially begun its search for the next generation of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The studio announced an open casting call for the highly-anticipated TV adaptation of JK Rowling’s beloved series, inviting children aged 9 to 11 to audition for the iconic roles.
The casting call is seeking young actors to play the trio of magical friends who embark on coming-of-age adventures and battle dark forces at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Aspiring actors must be residents of the United Kingdom or Ireland, and the studio emphasizes its commitment to “inclusive and diverse casting,” welcoming all races, ethnicities, and gender identities.
The audition process involves submitting two short recordings, including the recitation of a poem or story, although prospective stars must avoid using any material from the Harry Potter universe. “Use your own accent,” the advert advises.
The new TV series, announced by Warner Bros Discovery last year, will run for at least seven seasons on Max (formerly HBO Max), with each season devoted to faithfully adapting one of Rowling’s original books. Rowling will serve as an executive producer on the ambitious project, which is expected to span a decade.
While the announcement has generated excitement, reactions among fans have been mixed. Some are eager to see the story told in greater detail, as the television format provides an opportunity to explore elements that were not included in the films. Others remain mixed about Rowling’s continued involvement, given her controversial views on transgender issues.
The Harry Potter franchise is a global phenomenon, with books, films, video games and stage productions generating an estimated £20 billion ($25 billion) in revenue. The casting of the original films, 25 years ago, was surrounded by rumours, with Rowling insisting that the cast be exclusively British. The roles were eventually filled by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, relatively unknown actors at the time.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, has expressed her deep connection to the character, writing on Instagram during the 20th anniversary of the first film: “Harry Potter was my home, my family, my world and Hermione [still is] “my favorite fictional character of all time.”
While no official premiere date has been confirmed, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav indicated in February that the show is considering a 2026 premiere. Fans are now eagerly awaiting cast announcements for this new chapter in the Wizarding World saga.
First published: September 12, 2024 | 15:57 IS
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.