Latest news with #Leavesden
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
You're a TV star, Harry: Potter series to debut in 2027
The 'Harry Potter' TV series is envisaged as 'a decade-long series' and will feature a new cast from the films. (Warner Bros pic) NEW YORK : Filming has begun on a Harry Potter TV series that will debut in 2027, bringing the Hollywood hit to the small screen for the first time. Adapted from the wildly popular books, which have also yielded blockbuster films and stage shows, the latest outing for the boy who lived is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Britain, the studio said Monday. While no exact release date has been confirmed, the show will be available on the HBO Max streaming platform. The franchise sees the eponymous Potter plucked from non-magical obscurity and thrust into a wizarding world in which he and his close friends Ron and Hermione battle against the forces of darkness. With the mega-selling books' author JK Rowling among its executive producers, the show is envisaged as 'a decade-long series' featuring a new cast from the films. Potter will be played by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton will star as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will take on the role of Ron Weasley. Established stars will appear alongside them, with John Lithgow playing headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Rowling has faced accusations of transphobia in recent years for placing an emphasis on biological sex over gender identity in comments about trans women. She denies the accusation.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harry Potter fans divided over first image of Nick Frost's Hagrid
Production is officially underway on HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series and the studio has released a first-look image of actor Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, which has caused some debate among fans. The 53-year-old will play the friendly groundskeeper alongside newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, who was also pictured in costume this week while filming at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden. Fans were left divided over Frost's transformation, with some declaring they were 'loving' the actor in the iconic role, while others said his costume looked like 'cosplaying'. 'I'm so sorry this already looks like a parody show,' one person wrote on X/Twitter. 'Who exactly asked for this?' another fan questioned. Referring to the original Hagrid actor, Robbie Coltrane, another said: 'Love Nick Frost, but no chance of out-Hagrid-ing Hagrid.' The TV adaptation of the famous franchise, which is expected to debut in 2027, confirmed by HBO Max in 2023, aims to be a 'faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling'. The series is expected to run for a decade, with each season based on one of the seven Rowling books. The books follow the story of 11-year-old Harry Potter as he learns of his acceptance to Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry, and his attempts to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid in HBO'sforthcoming Harry Potter series (HBO) In May last year, HBO announced that after nearly 30,000 auditions for the three lead roles, McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout had been cast as Harry, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Casting for most of the leading characters has been announced in the last few months. Paapa Essiedu is playing potions professor Severus Snape, Janet McTeer is acting as deputy Hogwarts headmistress and Gryffindor House head Minerva McGonagall, and Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. The actors have faced criticism from some fans calling for a boycott of the series due to Rowling's views on transgender people which many consider transphobic. However, Frost, known for Shaun of the Dead, made clear in an interview that his opinions 'don't align in any way, shape or form' with those of the franchise creator. Last month, Rowling, 59, delivered her early verdict on the series in a post on X. 'I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!' the author said. In response, a user asked the author: 'So you are not doing the writing for this show?' to which, the author clarified: 'No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers.' Rubeus Hagrid was previously played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter franchise, who died from multiple organ failure in 2022, aged 72, after starring in all eight films as the beloved half-giant.
Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Times
First look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in Harry Potter HBO TV series
Filming is under way on the Harry Potter TV series and today the first picture has been released of the British actor and comedian Nick Frost as the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid. Frost, best known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role originally played by Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter film franchise. Having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, Harry Potter is the bestselling book franchise and spawned an eight-movie series that grossed almost $8 billion at the global box office. But with almost 15 years since the last film starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint was released, the magical world of the original stories is about to arrive on our screens again in the shape of an ambitious HBO streaming series set to run across a decade. All seven books will be adapted at a budget reported to be greater than House of the Dragon's $200 million per series, so Potter fans are likely to be in for a treat when the new series is finally released. Here's everything we know so far about the programme. What is the new Harry Potter series about? The new series is described as a faithful adaptation of the original seven books that make up the Harry Potter series. Each season will bring Harry Potter and his magical adventures to a new audience. Has the show started shooting? Yes. HBO announced that production began on the series on 14 July 2025. When is Harry Potter released? The show is being made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden near Watford. It's the same place where the original film series was made between 2001 and 2011, concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2. The first season of the new Harry Potter series is expected to hit our screens sometime in 2027, although no official date has yet been given. How can I watch in the UK/US? In both the UK and the US, the series will be released exclusively on HBO Max's streaming platform. Max is yet to launch in the UK, but is expected in 2026. It will be available as a new standalone streaming platform, but also as part of Sky packages for satellite customers used to seeing HBO shows on the channels like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max and Sky Comedy. • John Lithgow on the Dumbledore backlash: 'I wonder how JK Rowling copes' Which books are being adapted? Early reports had each season of the series focusing on one book in the Harry Potter series, which consists of seven novels. The books in the Harry Potter series are: • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000) • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005) • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) How many seasons are there? It was originally expected that each season would tackle one book, but the chief of HBO, Casey Bloys, said the project could run for 'ten consecutive years'. The later books are more expansive, particularly the final novel, Deathly Hallows, which was split into two parts for the film adaptation. Is JK Rowling involved? Yes, the author of the original books will serve as executive producer on the show. At a press conference, Bloys mentioned that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director'. He has also disregarded comments about Rowling's off-screen reputation. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated, and not something we're going to get into,' he said. 'Our priority is what's on screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance.' Who is behind the show? Francesca Gardiner, who previously worked on Succession and Killing Eve, was chosen to be the showrunner after producing a pilot script and being interviewed by Rowling. Mark Mylod, best known for his work on Succession, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will direct multiple episodes of the wizarding drama as well as serve as executive producer. Are the original cast involved? It is unclear whether some or any of the original cast will return for the series. 'It seems to me that they are wanting to make a fresh series,' Daniel Radcliffe, who originally played the wizarding star, told Entertainment Tonight in 2023, 'which it feels like it'd be distracting to have old, haggard Harry also entering from stage left.' Who is in the cast? The Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the titular role — at 11 years old, he's the same age as Daniel Radcliffe when he first brought Harry Potter to life in 2001. Arabella Stanton, also 11, will play Hermione Granger and has previously starred in the West End production of Matilda the Musical. Completing the trio, Ron Weasley will be played by Alastair Stout, whose only acting credit thus far is a brief appearance in a Jersey Royal potatoes advert. John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, having recently appeared in the papal thriller Conclave and as Roald Dahl in Giant in the West End. Janet McTeer, the 63-year-old Oscar-nominated actress, will play Professor Minerva McGonagall, originally played by Maggie Smith. The actor and comedian Nick Frost, best known for his leading roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role of the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, the role originally taken by Robbie Coltrane. First brought to life by Alan Rickman, the misanthropic potions professor Severus Snape will be played by Paapa Essiedu, whose career has spanned Shakespearean theatre to the contemporary hit series I May Destroy You. Luke Thallon, best known for his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, will portray Quirinus Quirrell, Hogwarts' skittish but sinister Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. The comedian and presenter Paul Whitehouse will play the bad-tempered caretaker Argus Filch. Katherine Parkinson, whose comedy performances in The IT Crowd earned her two Baftas, will play Ron's protective mother, Molly Weasley. The franchise's infamous blond-haired Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, will be portrayed by Lox Pratt, who will star in the forthcoming BBC drama Lord of the Flies adaptation. Johnny Flynn, who starred as David Bowie in the hit musical drama Stardust, takes on the role of Draco's arrogant father, Lucius. The emerging child actors Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni and Sienna Moosah will play Hogwarts students Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, respectively. Harry's cruel guardians, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, will be portrayed by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby. Powley rose to fame on CBBC's spy series MI High, and has since taken on roles including Princess Margaret and Claire Clairmont, stepsister of novelist Mary Shelley. Rigby is best known for his leading role as Eric Morecambe in the 2011 drama Eric and Ernie. Bertie Carvel, whose credits have spanned Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical to Tony Blair in The Crown, will play the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge. It has also been announced that Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson will be Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey plays Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Who is rumoured to be joining the cast? One key character who remains to be cast is the Dark Lord himself, Voldermort, played by Ralph Fiennes in the original film series. Names rumoured for the role include Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, House of the Dragon 's Rhys Ifans (who played Xenophilius Lovegood in the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), Oscar-winner Christian Bale and former Doctor Who lead and House of the Dragon actor Matt Smith.
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
1st look at HBO's new Harry Potter as TV adaptation of books gets underway
HBO has officially started production on the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series adaption, the network announced Monday, also revealing a first look at the titular character. The photo released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, donning the signature Hogwarts uniform paired with round-rim glasses and a lightning bolt scar, not unlike the iconic costume worn by Daniel Radcliffe in the eight-part film series. The show began production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K., and is expected to debut in 2027. A new round of actors were announced Monday, including Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. The network announced in late May that McLaughlin was cast as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Several high-profile actors have been announced in other key roles, including Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. The new series adaption begins production nearly 14 years after the final movie adaption of J.K. Rowling's books, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, was released in theatres. In addition to the blockbuster movies, the franchise has inspired a Broadway play, video games and theme parks since the first installment was released 28 years ago. The new series will be "a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books," the network previously wrote, and "will feature an exciting and talented cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years."
Geek Culture
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
First Look At Harry Potter As HBO Series Begins Filming
The Boy Who Lived lives again! The producers at HBO's Harry Potter TV series solemnly swear that they are up to no good as they officially begin production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom. This comes almost exactly 14 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 graced the big screen to wrap up Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe, Swiss Army Man ) seven-book, eight-film journey. Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter on the set of Harry Potter (2027) Fans of the popular series by J. K. Rowling have been rejoicing at the first look at Dominic McLaughlin's ( Grow ) Harry Potter, dressed in his Hogwarts robes with his signature messy black hair and round glasses slightly askew. Already, the accuracy of McLaughlin's wardrobe is a plus point for fans, as it remains faithful to the source material of Potter's appearance. Joining him on the cast are Arabella Stanton ( Matilda the Musical stage production) as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young trio were cast from a pool of more than 30,000 actors who auditioned last fall. Meanwhile, other key staff members of Hogwarts have been cast, with John Lithgow ( Conclave, The Crown ) having been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer ( Tumbleweeds, The White Queen ) as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu ( I May Destroy You, Gangs of London ) as Severus Snape, Nick Frost ( Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz ) as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon ( The Favourite ) as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse ( Alice in Wonderland ) as Argus Filch. The rest of the cast includes Katherine Parkinson ( Humans ) as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn ( The Outfit ) as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, and Bertie Carvel ( The Crown ) as Cornelius Fudge. An exclusive report by Variety has also indicated that Bel Powley ( A Small Light ) and Daniel Rigby ( Eric and Ernie ) will play Petunia and Vernon Dursley, respectively. Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout New casting announced on Monday has also revealed Rory Wilmot ( FBI: International ) as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey ( Sherlock ) as Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser ( Game of Thrones ) as Garrick Ollivander. Spearheaded by showrunner Francesca Gardiner ( His Dark Materials ) and director Mark Mylod ( Succession ), HBO's new take on the beloved book series will follow the young Potter as he discovers his magic lineage and embarks on a journey to discover himself and the wonderful world of wizardry. Along the way, he befriends Weasley and Granger, and together they aid him in his journey to defeat the infamous Dark Wizard, Lord Voldemort. Each of the seven Harry Potter books will constitute an entire season. According to Variety, shooting for Season 1 is expected to continue until the spring of 2026, with Season 2 going into production after a brief hiatus. The series is expected to debut in 2027 on HBO Max. But until then? Mischief managed. Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he's not sleeping, he's highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it's honestly pretty close. Francesca Gardiner Harry Potter HBO HBO Max JK Rowling
