HBO’s long-anticipated Harry Potter reboot is moving forward quickly, with new production details revealing that the first two seasons will be filmed consecutively. According to Production Weekly, the series—currently filming under the codename Dark Train—is set to begin principal photography at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location used for the original films.
The decision to shoot Seasons 1 and 2 back-to-back signals a strong vote of confidence from HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery and suggests a long-term plan to maintain casting continuity, especially for the child actors leading the series. With the reboot expected to span seven seasons, one per book, filming in succession helps avoid noticeable age gaps among its young stars.
Casting for the series includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The show also features John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. However, some uncertainty has emerged around the long-term involvement of adult cast members, including Bertie Carvel (Cornelius Fudge), who recently indicated he may not return for future seasons.
Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession) is serving as showrunner, with Laura Neal (Killing Eve) writing and Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones) directing the pilot. David Heyman, producer of the original film series, is returning as executive producer.
Early set photos of a rebuilt Platform 9¾ have already surfaced online, hinting at the scale and ambition of the production. While fans await their first full look, HBO’s strategy of back-to-back filming and casting continuity suggests the network is serious about delivering a faithful, long-form adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original novels.
