J.K. Rowling is set to “totally eradicate” the memories of the original Harry Potter movie stars—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—through a new TV series adaptation of her iconic book series, according to an insider. The upcoming project, developed by HBO, will feature a fresh cast of child actors and is expected to introduce millions of new fans to the wizarding world.
All seven books in the Harry Potter series will be adapted over the next decade, with each season costing more than $200 million. Filming is set to begin in the UK this summer.
An industry insider told that the series offers Rowling an opportunity to “lay the memories of the three leads to rest” and create a new generation of fans, free from the association with the previous stars. Auditions for children aged 9 to 11 are already underway, with 32,000 audition tapes currently being reviewed.
Rowling, who will serve as an executive producer, has reportedly been heavily involved in ensuring the series stays true to her original work. The author’s rift with the three lead actors, which began after her controversial views on transgender women, has been well-documented. The trio—who owe much of their fame to their roles in the films—publicly criticized Rowling’s stance on trans rights after her 2020 essay.
The fallout from this disagreement was further complicated by Rowling’s refusal to forgive Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, even if they apologized publicly. In 2024, after the Cass review of gender identity services, Rowling took aim at celebrities who supported gender transitioning for minors, calling for an apology to “traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single-sex spaces.”
The new series is expected to replace the original stars with a fresh group of young actors. Sources suggest that the new adaptation will function similarly to the reboots of iconic characters like Superman and Batman, allowing for a fresh start with new leads.
Speculation surrounding the adult cast has already begun, with Cillian Murphy rumored to play Lord Voldemort and John Lithgow potentially portraying Professor Dumbledore. Paapa Essiedu is reportedly in talks to play Severus Snape. However, no child actors have been confirmed yet.
Rowling’s social media activity has also fueled speculation about her strained relationship with the original stars. In a recent post, Rowling responded to a question about which actor “instantly ruins a movie” by cryptically stating, “Three guesses,” followed by laughing emojis. Many interpreted this as a direct reference to Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, the stars who made the Harry Potter a global success.
The ongoing tensions between Rowling and the three actors have not gone unnoticed. Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint have continued to support trans rights, a stance that has put them at odds with the author. Radcliffe, in particular, has stated that while his career owes much to Rowling, his personal beliefs do not have to align with hers. Watson has also alluded to the controversy during public appearances, including a pointed remark during the 2022 BAFTA Awards.
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