The first Harry Potter film franchise made global stars of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – and HBO’s upcoming series is likely to do the same for three more young actors.
Today is the last day that parents can submit audition videos in the UK for the parts of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger – after the deadline was extended by casting directors.
Meanwhile, JK Rowling has confirmed to fans that she’s on board with the fresh take on the boy wizard, saying she’s ‘very involved’ with the show, which looks set to start filming in Spring next year.
Parents who think they’ve got a budding Harry, Hermione or Ron can still submit applications today, after the deadline was extended to November 8th
The author, 59, has become a controversial figure in recent years for her views on transgender people – which has sparked a rift with the hugely successful films’ original cast.
Earlier this year, Rowling said she wouldn’t forgive Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson after they expressed support for trans people; the writer slammed celebrities who she said ‘cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights’.
Now though, with a new Harry, Hermione and Ron being sought, JK Rowling looks set to be just as involved this time around as she was with the eight-strong film franchise.
One fan asked her on Thursday whether she was on board with the HBO series, saying: ‘Hey JK! What are your thoughts about the new HP series? Are you involved?’
Still time! The search for the new Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger kicked off too months ago – but has been extended, with November 8th the final day (Pictured from left: Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe)
‘Very involved’: JK Rowling, who penned the original Harry Potter books, said the prospect of the new HBO series was ‘wonderful’
The British writer replied: ‘Very involved and I think it’s going to be wonderful!’
The original films spawned five major Harry Potter theme park attractions around the globe, including in the US, UK, China and Japan, and has netted the British author millions in merchandise sales.
The open casting call for the new TV series was posted in early September, with casting directors later extending the deadline for audition videos to midnight tonight.
Bosses are looking for children who will be aged between nine and 11 in April 2025, and are a resident of the UK or Ireland.
The casting call reads: ‘We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. 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 unless otherwise specifically indicated.’
The application requires actors to submit two short self-tapes – one consisting of a short poem or story of your choosing, but nothing from Harry Potter.
An open casting call for the TV series was posted in September with all the details, explaining that bosses are looking for children who will be aged between nine and 11 in April 2025, and are a resident of the UK or Ireland
Secondly, children need to prepare a video talking about themselves, including their date of birth, height and where they live, as well as describing any family member, friend or pet that you are particularly close to.
Actors are told to use their own accept in the tapes, with the first video being 30 seconds maximum, and the second being one minute maximum.
With the casting call providing no specifics on what they want the actors to look like, fans have been left divided on whether the new HBO show is going to be too different to the original franchise.
Meanwhile, others want the beloved film series to be ‘left alone’ and don’t want a remake at all.
Taking to X, fans expressed their opinions, writing:
The application requires actors to submit two short self-tapes – one consisting of a short poem or story of your choosing, but nothing from Harry Potter
With the casting call providing no specifics on what they want the actors to look like, fans have been left divided on whether the new HBO show is going to be too different to the original franchise
Actors are told to use their own accept in the tapes, with the first video being 30 seconds maximum, and the second being one minute maximum
With the casting call providing no specifics on what they want the actors to look like, fans have been left divided on whether the new HBO show is going to be too different to the original franchise
One wrote: ‘Oh gawsh! They’re gonna ruin this aren’t they??’
‘I’m actually really excited for this because the books cut out a lot of stuff and I think Harry Potter works better as a tv series anyway.’
‘So dumb. Create something new. OG Harry Potter shouldn’t be messed with.’
‘What a sad way to ruin such iconic movies. Why can’t we leave good things alone on the shelves?’
‘Im actually hyped about this. A story to watch with my kids and then show them the OGs.’
‘I’m so excited for this and hope they find a great cast.’
‘They really can’t just let good things be.’
The deadline to submit an application to the open casting call is 31 October 2024 and you can do so using this link.
The deadline to submit an application to the open casting call is 31 October 2024
The Cast It website, which has further details, is the only way to apply for this open casting call. Any other website promoting the casting call or charging to submit is not approved by HBO
JK Rowling has confirmed that the new TV series of Harry Potter will exceed fans ‘expectations’
Warner Bros, the production company behind the original films, has confirmed that Francesca Gardiner (L) and Mark Mylod (R), who both worked on acclaimed drama Succession, will be executive producers of the ‘faithful adaptation’
The Cast It website, which has further details, is the only way to apply for the open casting call. Any other website promoting the casting call or charging to submit is not approved by HBO.
It comes after JK Rowling confirmed that the new TV series of Harry Potter will exceed fans ‘expectations’.
Warner Bros, the production company behind the original films, has confirmed that Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, who both worked on acclaimed drama Succession, will be executive producers of the ‘faithful adaptation’.
Reacting to the news back in June, executive producer Rowling wrote on X: ‘I’m truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team.
‘Both have a genuine passion for Harry Potter, and having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I’m certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations.’
Francesca, also known for her work on BBC shows, the fantasy programme His Dark Materials and thriller Killing Eve, will be the showrunner and writer on the Harry Potter series.
Mark, known for HBO’s Game Of Thrones and The Last Of Us, will direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO and Warner Bros streaming channel Max.
Warner Bros said: ‘Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.’
