Updates on HBO’s “Harry Potter”: Hagrid Revealed, Dursleys Spotted, Voldemort Rumors, and Back-to-Back Filming Begins
Filming for HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot is in full swing, and things are moving fast. From the first photos of Nick Frost as Hagrid and leaked set photos featuring the Dursleys at the zoo, to rumors on the casting of Voldemort, read on to find out more.
HBO released a teaser image of Frost dressed as Hagrid, and let’s just say, he looks the part.
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Meanwhile, some images have already been leaked from set, including footage of Frost alongside Dominic McLaughlin (playing Harry) in what looks to be Diagon Alley scenes filmed on the streets of London.
@itsnotrowangoaway the new harry potter series being filmed in London 21/7/25 ! To use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please contact licensing@storyful.com #harrypotter #hboharrypotter #harrypotterseries #london #fyp #hogwarts #hagrid ♬ Harry’s Wondrous World (Theme from Harry Potter) – John Williams & Synchron Stage Orchestra & Wizarding World
Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter) and Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid) were spotted filming the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO Max in London 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eeTOAwIfNL
— Daily Harry Potter (@TheDailyHPotter) July 21, 2025
And the wizarding world’s least favorite family has been spotted too. The Daily Mail revealed a number of photos showing McLaughlin with Amos Kitson (Dudley), Bel Powley (Aunt Petunia), and Daniel Rigby (Uncle Vernon), filming what looks to be the infamous zoo scene.
First pics of Dominic McLaughlin from the set of the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO Max at the London Zoo. 🤩
® Harry Potter | #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/kvNxuS9swe
— Harry Potter News (@HPMoviesNews) July 17, 2025
🔴BREAKING: First Look of Dudley Dursley. 🤩
® Harry Potter | #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/5XRwqjBD62
— Harry Potter News (@HPMoviesNews) July 17, 2025
🔴BREAKING: First Look of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. 🤩
® Harry Potter | #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/wB3xSXbczA
— Harry Potter News (@HPMoviesNews) July 17, 2025
On top of all these exciting behind-the-scenes peeks, Redanian Intelligence recently reported a number of interesting (though unconfirmed) bits of information on the show. Though the report has now been taken down, the site said that Seasons 1 and 2 are being shot nearly back to back. Season 1 is expected to wrap production in May 2026, with Season 2 picking up just two months later, in July 2026. If all goes to plan, that second season will wrap by May 2027.
Previous comments from showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod teased “eight hours to tell the first book,” which many assumed meant eight episodes, but according to Redanian Intelligence, that is apparently not the case. Season 1 will reportedly be just six episodes long, though it may still clock in at the full eight hours. Future seasons might stretch out to eight episodes as the pace picks up.
Finally, the site also reported that HBO has already chosen its Voldemort but that the network is keeping the actor’s identity tightly under wraps, aiming to unveil the surprise when the series premieres in 2027. That’s a long wait for fans and a lot of time for rumors to be spread and spoilers to be leaked!
So far, HBO’s Harry Potter is looking like a faithful cinematic retelling with serious talent and a massive production effort behind it. The cast is stepping into iconic roles, the sets are looking spot on, and we can’t wait to see what’s going to be revealed next.