HBO has announced an open casting call for its upcoming TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series. The search is aimed at finding children between the ages of 9 and 11 as of April 2025 to portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Auditions will focus on finding talent for these iconic roles, with the actors expected to undertake adventures and battles at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Applicants must be residents of the UK and Ireland, and the casting call emphasizes a commitment to inclusive and diverse representation across all races, ethnicities, and gender identities. Prospective actors are asked to submit two short self-tapes, including a poem or story of their choice, but excluding any material from the original Harry Potter series. The casting call specifies that actors should use their natural accents.
The new series, announced last year by Warner Bros Discovery, is set to air on Max, previously known as HBO Max. The adaptation will span at least seven seasons, each aligned with the original books by J.K. Rowling, who will serve as an executive producer. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among fans; some are excited about the opportunity for deeper storytelling, while others are conflicted due to Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues.
The Harry Potter franchise, encompassing books, films, video games, and a stage play, is valued at approximately £20 billion ($25 billion). Casting for the original films, which began 25 years ago, was notable for its British-only requirement and led to the casting of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, who were relatively unknown at the time.
No release date has been confirmed for the new series, but Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav has indicated a target of 2026.
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