Latest news with #JohnLithgow
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO's ‘Harry Potter' Reveals First Costumed Photo; Casts Neville and Dudley
HBO has started production on its Harry Potter TV series and added to its cast — plus released the first photo of young Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry Potter. The show has begun filming at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, U.K. More from The Hollywood Reporter Natasha Henstridge, Joshua Close Join Josh Hartnett in Netflix Newfoundland Series (Exclusive) Emmys: HBO and Max Score Most Nominations, Apple Takes a Big Bite 'The Last of Us' Season 2 Just Scored a Bunch of Emmy Nominations In addition, the production announced a few more castmembers playing key roles: Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. And here's the photo of McLaughlin as Harry: HBO's plan is to adapt each of J.K. Rowling's global best-selling novels into a season of television. The project has previously announced actors for nearly all of the key characters in Rowling's first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Emmy winner John Lithgow (Conclave) takes on the critical role of Hogwarts' wise and warm Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Oscar nominee Janet McTeer (Ozark) has the role of stern Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror) will take on the role of the sneering Potions Professor Severus Snape. Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) will play the lumbering Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid. The core kids' cast feature McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The cast also includes Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. In addition, stage actor Luke Thallon will play Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse (Harry & Paul) has been cast as the curmudgeonly caretaker Argus Filch. Francesca Gardiner is showrunner and executive producer, and Mark Mylod is the director of multiple episodes and executive producer. The series is executive produced by Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Harvey Weinstein's "Jane Doe 1" Victim Reveals Identity: "I'm Tired of Hiding" 'Awards Chatter' Podcast: 'Sopranos' Creator David Chase Finally Reveals What Happened to Tony (Exclusive) Solve the daily Crossword
Geek Tyrant
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Nick Frost Becomes Hagrid in First Look at HBO's HARRY POTTER Series — GeekTyrant
HBO's Harry Potter series adaptation is officially underway, and fans just got their first look at Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The beloved half-giant gamekeeper, originally portrayed by Robbie Coltrane in the films, now gets a fresh take from the Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz star. The reveal comes on the heels of HBO announcing that production has officially started on the highly anticipated series, which began filming Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. The shoot is expected to run through spring 2026, setting the stage for a 2027 debut on HBO and Max. Alongside Frost, the new generation of Hogwarts students is led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. These three were selected from over 30,000 hopefuls who auditioned last fall. The ensemble cast is packed with familiar names, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Additional roles include Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley. Rounding out the cast is Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. The series is helmed by showrunner and writer Francesca Gardiner ( His Dark Materials, Killing Eve ), with Mark Mylod ( Succession ) directing. Gardiner and Mylod serve as executive producers alongside J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films. With filming underway and a powerhouse creative team in place, HBO's Harry Potter series promises a faithful yet reimagined take on the wizarding world, and Nick Frost's Hagrid already looks like the perfect mix of warmth and wildness fans have been hoping for.
Metro
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Full list of Harry Potter TV series cast members so far as production begins
The Harry Potter cast is taking shape for HBO's upcoming TV adaptation. This month marks 14 years since the final part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hit the big screen and brought the film franchise to an end. A decade and a half later, a TV reboot is on the way in a move that isn't without controversy, given JK Rowling's comments about the trans community. There are still some big names already confirmed for the cast, and a trio of young stars ready to make their names as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The casting news is still rolling in, with John Lithgow and Paapa Essiedu confirmed, as well as Sherlock's Louise Brealey and Andor's Anton Lesser most recently announced. We now know that filming is underway for the show, so here's a list of all the actors set to decamp to Warner Bros Studios to recreate the wizarding world roles. John Lithgow was the first name to be attached to the Harry Potter series when he let slip he had been cast as Albus Dumbledore. He'll be playing the Hogwarts headmaster played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the original films. 'It was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid,' he previously told Screen Rant. 'But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.' Paapa Essiedu has some big shoes to fill as Severus Snape, following on from the late, great Alan Rickman. There has been plenty of conversation around Essiedo too after his previously support of LGBTQ+ rights, which JK Rowling has said wouldn't impact his role despite 'beliefs that differ from her'. Away from Potter, he's best known for his roles in the likes of I May Destroy You, Gangs of London and Black Mirror. Stage and screen actress Janet McTeer has been cast as Minerva McGonnagal in the series. The role was originated by the late Dame Maggie Smith, but Janet will be hoping to put her own stamp on the role. Across film and TV, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress has appeared in the likes of Wuthering Heights, As You Like It, The Menu and Ozark. Finding the right Harry Potter is vital for the new series, and show bosses think they've done just that with Dominic McLaughlin. Daniel Radcliffe's successor has some acting experience, having appeared alongside Game of Thrones' Indira Varma in a Shakespearean production of Macbeth. He's also set to star in the ensemble cast for Sky film Grow, a comedy including Bridgerton's Golda Rosheuvel. Following in Emma Watson's footsteps as Hermione Granger is Arabella Stanton. She's no stranger to playing a clever clogs with magic powers, having portrayed Roald Dahl's character Matilda Wormwood on the West End. Last year, she appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skate musical Starlight Express as Control. Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley, rounding off the iconic young trio. Like Rupert Grint before him, Alastair is a true newcomer – thus far, he's only had a fleeting appearance in a Jersey Royal potato advert. Fans will be looking forward to seeing him bring the same cheeky charm to Ron as his predecessor, while putting his own stamp on the character. Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost has the unenviable task of stepping into the late Robbie Coltrane's enormous Hagrid-sized boots. He'll be playing the beloved Hogwarts groundskeeper – and later professor – in the film, and he's promised he was 'never going to try' and imitate the late actor. 'I'm going to try and do something, not 'different'' I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there's scope for minutia,' he told Collider. 'I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child. I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can't wait.' Draco Malfoy will be getting a new look after young actor Lox Pratt was cast in the role as the Slytherin bully. The news comes just after Tom Felton, who played the character in the original films, announced his return to the Harry Potter fold. Despite speculation that he would be playing his character's father in the series, Tom confirmed that he would be reprising his own role – in the Broadway stage production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. 'Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honours of my life,' he said in a statement. 'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.' Singer Johnny Flynn was announced as the new Lucius Malfoy, stepping into Jason Isaacs' very creepy shoes as the Malfoy patriarch. Viewers may recognise him from Holby City, Scrotall Recall (renamed Lovesick when it moved to Netflix from Channel 4), Operation Mincemeat, Emma, The Dig and Ripley on Netflix – playing Dickie Greenleaf opposite Andrew Scott. He is also a successful singer and songwriter, having released six studio albums. He also created the theme song for the comedy series The Detectorists. Katherine Parkinson, most known for her efforts as Jen in the IT Crowd, has been cast as Weasley matriarch Molly Weasley – previously played by Dame Julie Walters. She has been a staple of our screens for decades, thanks to stints in Doc Martin, Psychoville, In the Club, Here We Go and the Honourable Woman. Most recently, she popped up in acclaimed Disney+ series Rivals as Lizzie Vereker, alongside Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit. Petunia Dursley played a huge role in Harry's early years, with the youngster staying with his aunt and uncle in Privet Drive when the series began. After Fiona Shaw's scene-stealing efforts as his late mother's snooty sister, Bel Powley will be taking over the role in the adaptation. She previously appeared in Masters of the Air, and The Morning Show, as well as The Diary of a Teenage Girl on the big screen. Daniel Rigby is taking over from the late Richard Thomas Griffiths as Petunia's husband and equally nasty Vernon Dursley. His most recent roles include Tom Jones and Eric and Ernie – for which he was awarded a Bafta – while he is set to grace our screens in Amazon's Blade Runner 2099. Bertie Carvel was confirmed to be playing Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, replacing Robert Hardy who took on the character on the big screen. He is one of the most notable actors from the cast so far, having appeared in The Crown, Dalgliesh, Doctor Foster, Sherlock, Waking the Dead and Babylon. Bertie also narrates Walking with Dinosaurs. The Gryffindor house is being further fleshed out after Leo Earley was cast in the role of Seamus Finnigan. Leo appears to be another newcomer to the spotlight, with Devon Murray having the role in the original franchise. Alessia Leoni has stepped into Shefali Chowdhury's robes as fellow Gryffindor Parvati Patil. It is currently not clear who will play Parvati's identical twin sister, Padma, with Shefali's close friend Afshan Azad landing the role in the franchise. Sienna Moosah will be joining the gang in the Gryffindor common room after being cast as Lavender Brown. Jessie Cave, Jennifer Smith and Kathleen Cauley were the stars who had portrayed the character in the original franchise. David Bradley left a lasting impression as sneering and grumbling Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch. For the HBO series, Paul Whitehouse will be the one roaming the corridors with Mrs. Norris in hand. From The Fast Show and Gone Fishing to Alice in Wonderland, The Death of Stalin and Corpse Bride, he's already built an impressive legacy. Quirinus Quirrell only appears in the Philosopher's Stone, but he plays a vital role in the Harry Potter franchise. Getting the nervous and jittery Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher right is an important one, and Luke Thallon follows on from Ian Hart in taking on the role. It will mark his TV debut, although he's had plenty of experience on the West End in the likes of The Room, Family Voices and Patriots, while he reprise his role from the latter on Broadway. Rory Wilmot was most recently added to the cast as the infamous Neville Longbottom, played in the films by Matthew Lewis. The young Brit is understood to have answered the production's casting call. He already has a couple of credits under his belt, from one episode of FBI: International and in Out of the Dust, an upcoming TV show currently in post-production. Articulate Drama School & Agency, where Wilmot has trained in acting, shared a post on Facebook congratulating him. They wrote: 'Congratulations Rory! You're going to be a brilliant Neville Longbottom! So proud.' Amos Kitson has been cast as Harry's slightly horrid cousin Dudley – although fans will know he goes on to mellow in later books after a nasty encounter with the Dementors. This will be Kitson's first acting role. Anton Lesser has been cast as the wand-seller Garrick Ollivander, fresh off his run on the revered Star Wars show Andor. Considered by many to be the best wandmaker in the Wizarding World, Ollivander was played by the late great John Hurt in the original films. Lesser is also known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Crown, as well as in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Louise Brealey will take on Quidditch flying professor Madam Rolanda Hooch. The role was first played by the spikey-haired, husky-voiced Zoë Wanamaker. Brealey is best known as Molly Hooper in Sherlock and has most recently starred in the Bafta-winning dark comedy Such Brave Girls. There are still so many key characters yet to be officially cast, with Lord Voldemort among them. There are a couple of names in the running, with reports suggesting Cillian Murphy could follow in Ralph Fiennes' footsteps, while Tom Hiddleston has also been linked. Warner Bros TV boss Channing Dungey told Deadline in April that they were 'still weighing a couple of different options' for the villain. Filming kicked off on July 14 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, with the first season set to focus on the first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. More Trending The series has been confirmed for a 2027 release window, which will mark 16 years since the final movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two was released in cinemas. The movie franchise spanned a decade from 2001 to 2011, with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as the three stars. View More » A version of this article was originally published on June 9. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Harry Potter star admits he's already considering leaving TV reboot after one season MORE: Jason Isaacs blasts 'racist' Harry Potter fans over Paapa Essiedu's Snape casting in TV series MORE: Harry Potter star admits he 'would have run a million miles' from TV reboot years ago
News24
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Harry Potter returns: Upcoming series promises new adventures with fresh-faced cast
Filming has begun on a Harry Potter TV series that will debut in 2027, bringing the Hollywood hit to the small screen for the first time. Adapted from the wildly popular books, which have also yielded blockbuster films and stage shows, the latest outing for the boy who lived is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Britain, the studio said Monday. While no exact release date has been confirmed, the show will be available on the HBO Max streaming platform. The franchise sees the eponymous Potter plucked from non-magical obscurity and thrust into a wizarding world in which he and his close friends Ron and Hermione battle against the forces of darkness. With the mega-selling books' author JK Rowling among its executive producers, the show is envisaged as 'a decade-long series' featuring a new cast from the films. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) Potter will be played by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton will star as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout will take on the role of Ron Weasley. Established stars will appear alongside them, with John Lithgow playing headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) Rowling has faced accusations of transphobia in recent years for placing an emphasis on biological sex over gender identity in comments about trans women. She denies the accusation.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
First picture released from production of new Harry Potter series
The first picture of the new Harry Potter TV series from HBO have been released, as production begins in Hertfordshire in the south of has been building about the new series since it was announced in 2023, and now producers have released the first picture of 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry you're excited to head back to Hogwarts, you still have a while to wait though - the show will start in 2027 and will apparently take ten years to complete. Who is in the new series? Several new cast members were also revealed alongside the Wilmot has been cast as classmate Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson will play Harry's cousin Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey will take on Quidditch flying professor Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser is wand-seller Garrick join an already packed line-up including John Lithgow, who will play Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. And the new trio of troublemakers were cast in May, after more than 30,000 children turned up for open well as Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout plays Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton is Hermione Granger.
