Latest news with #FrancescaGardiner
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter series price tag unveiled after claims of record breaking budget
Harry Potter is facing a reboot with a brand new cast of actors and it's been reported the series would beat Rings of Power as the most expensive TV show ever to be created 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 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."
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Meet the cast from new Harry Potter HBO series; Here's who is playing Harry, Hermoine and Ron
Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST HBO has announced the cast its upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The show will be produced Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod and is expected to debut in 2026. / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST / View Photos in a new improved layout Published on May 28, 2025 04:20 PM IST
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
HBO's ‘Harry Potter' finds its Harry, Hermoine and Ron from a pool of 30,000
After an extensive search that drew over 30,000 hopefuls, HBO has officially cast the young leads for its upcoming Harry Potter television series. Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout playing Ron Weasley. The announcement marks a major milestone for the reboot, which aims to retell J.K. Rowling's wizarding saga as a multi-season show. The casting process began last fall through an open call, with the final trio selected after what the creative team described as an 'extraordinary search.' 'We are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione and Ron,' said showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod in a joint statement. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.' While all three actors are relative newcomers, McLaughlin appeared in the upcoming comedy Grow alongside Nick Frost, Stanton starred in the West End's Matilda: The Musical between 2023 and 2024, and Stout will be making his on-screen debut with Harry Potter. The cast also includes several high-profile names in supporting roles. John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will portray Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu steps into the role of Severus Snape. Nick Frost will appear as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The series is being developed by HBO in collaboration with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Francesca Gardiner will write and serve as showrunner, while Mark Mylod will direct multiple episodes. Executive producers include author J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and Harry Potter film producer David Heyman. Rowling's involvement in the project remains a point of controversy due to her regressive stand on trans rights. However, HBO content chief Casey Bloys recently dismissed concerns about those views influencing the show, noting that the focus remains on faithfully adapting the books.
South China Morning Post
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
HBO's Harry Potter TV series producers cast Harry, Ron and Hermione roles
The spell has been cast, and so too have Harry, Ron and Hermione in HBO's new Harry Potter series. Dominic McLaughlin will sport the lightning bolt scar as the titular chosen wizard, while Arabella Stanton – who recently starred as Matilda in the West End's production of Matilda: The Musical – and Alastair Stout will round out the trio as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively, Variety magazine reports. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together on-screen,' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director-executive producer Mark Mylod said. 'We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned.' (From left) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in a still from the Harry Potter film series. They were the first to play the magical roles, across eight films from 2001 to 2011. Photo: Warner Bros Pictures Variety reports that over 30,000 hopefuls tossed their sorting hats in the ring since the autumn.
The Herald Scotland
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Harry Potter unveils first look of Harry, Ron and Hermione
Speaking about the casting process, Francesca Gardiner (showrunner and executive producer) and Mark Mylod (director of multiple episodes and executive producer) released a statement They said: '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 main trio has been cast for the 'HARRY POTTER' TV series: • Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter • Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger • Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 27, 2025 "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.' The casting of the main trio comes after some actors were announced for key roles back in April. This included John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rebeus Hagrid. According to HBO, the series will be a 'faithful adaptation' of the books by J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer. Recommended reading: The series will be 'full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years', Max, the newly branded streaming service for HBO, promised in a statement upon the series announcement in April 2023. 'Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.' The series is expected to debut on Max and the HBO and Warner Bros Discovery streaming services in 2026.
