The magical world of Harry Potter is being reimagined for a whole new generation as HBO officially launches the casting process for its highly anticipated Harry Potter series. The series, which is expected to stay true to J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, is gearing up for production, and the search is now on for young actors to portray Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.

Casting Call Details: A New Generation of Stars

Earlier this week, HBO announced the open casting call, a move that has excited fans across the globe. According to the casting notice, the series is looking for young actors aged between nine and 11 years old as of April 2025, with residency in the UK or Ireland. These new faces will step into the iconic roles previously held by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who became global stars after the success of the original film series.

The open casting call emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, making it clear that casting for the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione will be open to all children, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, race, or sexual orientation. HBO has affirmed its commitment to creating a more inclusive Hogwarts, stating that “for every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.”

This inclusive approach marks a notable departure from the original films, where casting primarily reflected the characters as they were written in the books. Now, the series is poised to welcome new interpretations of these beloved characters, with diversity and authenticity being key components of the casting process.

How to Apply: A Magical Opportunity for Young Talent

The process of auditioning is simple, but it requires creativity and authenticity from the aspiring actors. Children interested in auditioning are asked to submit two self-tape videos. The first tape should feature them performing a short poem or story, although any material from the Harry Potter universe is strictly off-limits. This is designed to showcase the child’s acting skills and ability to deliver lines with confidence and emotion.

The second video asks applicants to introduce themselves by providing basic details such as their date of birth, height, and where they live. Interestingly, the casting call also requests that the children use their own accents, further supporting the notion that the series is seeking authenticity in its performers.

The excitement around this open casting call is reminiscent of how the original trio was discovered. Back in 2000, Rupert Grint was selected to play Ron Weasley after submitting an audition tape in response to a Newsround casting call. His natural charm and wit earned him the role that would forever change his life. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson also made their debuts as Harry and Hermione at young ages, eventually becoming household names around the world.

A New Take on a Beloved Classic

While fans of the original films might find it hard to imagine anyone else portraying the legendary trio, the new HBO series promises to bring a fresh take on the wizarding world. The project is expected to span seven seasons, with each season faithfully adapting one of the seven Harry Potter books. This episodic format will allow for a deeper exploration of the rich details and subplots that the films had to condense or omit due to time constraints.

The series will be spearheaded by Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, who will serve as the series’ lead writer. Accompanying her is Mark Mylod, also from Succession, who will take on the role of director. Their involvement adds a sense of prestige to the project, with both creators coming from one of the most critically acclaimed television shows in recent years.

Although there is no official release date for the series, production is expected to take place in the UK between 2025 and 2026. The ambitious project has already generated significant buzz, not just because of the global appeal of Harry Potter, but also due to the immense potential of adapting the books into a longer-form storytelling medium.

Original Cast and Cameos: Will Radcliffe, Watson, or Grint Return?

One of the most frequent questions asked by fans is whether the original Harry Potter stars will make cameo appearances in the new series. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed the boy wizard in the original films, has expressed his support for the new adaptation but has downplayed the idea of making a cameo.

Speaking to E! News, Radcliffe shared that while he’s excited to watch the series, he believes the creators are “very wisely” aiming for a clean break from the original films. “I don’t know if it would work to have us do anything in it. I’m very happy to just watch along with everyone else,” Radcliffe said. This sentiment has been echoed by Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, both of whom have expressed a desire to let the new actors make the roles their own.

Building on a Legacy: HBO’s Vision for the Series

For HBO, this series represents an opportunity to build on the massive legacy of Harry Potter while also offering a more detailed and comprehensive adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books. The films, while beloved, had to make significant cuts to fit the intricate stories into a movie format. By creating a seven-season series, HBO is able to delve deeper into the magical world, fleshing out side plots, character development, and the rich lore of Hogwarts and beyond.

As fans eagerly await more details on the series, one thing is certain: this new era of Harry Potter will provide a magical opportunity for young actors to take their place in the spotlight and for a new generation of fans to experience the magic of Hogwarts.

The Magic Begins Anew

The casting call marks the official start of what is sure to be a long journey toward production, but the excitement is already palpable. Young actors across the UK and Ireland now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the shoes of some of the most iconic characters in modern literature. And for fans, the chance to see a more in-depth adaptation of the Harry Potter books is a dream come true.

With a commitment to inclusive casting and a high-profile creative team, HBO’s new Harry Potter series is shaping up to be a groundbreaking reinterpretation of a beloved classic. While the road to release is still a few years away, the wizarding world is about to open its doors once more, and the magic is sure to captivate audiences all over again.