Harry Potter series price tag unveiled after claims of record breaking budget
HBO has responded to claims the upcoming Harry Potter TV series will be the most expensive television show ever made, following reports suggesting the cost per episode would reach a staggering £75 million. The adaptation of JK Rowling's book series is set to be a decade-long project, with each season dedicated to one of the seven novels.
Reports originally published by The Express claimed that the ambitious project would dramatically outspend even Prime Video's The Rings of Power, which cost around $465 million (£399 million) for its first season. However, a source close to the production has now confirmed to Metro.co.uk that the reported £75 million per episode figure is inaccurate.
Instead, the budget is expected to be more in line with the final season of Game of Thrones, which cost approximately $15 million (around £12 million) per episode.
Even with a more modest budget than reported, the new Harry Potter series is shaping up to be a landmark production. Casting directors received over 30,000 applications from young actors hoping to play the new generation of Hogwarts students.
Now, Warner Bros. and HBO have confirmed that Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will take on the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. This also marks the actors' first professional appearances on screen.
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod shared: "After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
"The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen."
Francesca Gardiner, whose previous credits include His Dark Materials and Killing Eve, is on board as showrunner and writer. She will be joined by Mark Mylod, a veteran director known for his work on Succession and The Last of Us, who will direct multiple episodes.
The cast also includes acclaimed actors such as John Lithgow as Professor Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
The series is scheduled to begin filming this summer and premiere in 2026. It is said to be a faithful adaptation of the books and HBO bosses are hoping to use it to bring the wizarding world to new and existing fans alike.
HBO Max will stream the series in various countries, including the UK, Germany, and Italy. Production is already underway, with a £1 billion studio expansion being constructed in Leavesden that includes an on-site school for the show's young stars.
Analysts are predicting that this will have a long-term impact on the UK's creative industries. Tom Harrington from Enders Analysis has told The Times: "It's not just the box office, the merchandise, the tourists or the tours arising from the books, but the resurgence of big UK film and TV production that came in the wake of the Potter films."
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