The First Image of the New Harry Potter! Filming Has Begun!

We finally have a first look at the new Harry Potter – and at fan favorite Hagrid too! Warner Bros. has also officially announced that filming on the series has begun. But that's not all: the casting of several new actors has also been confirmed – including Neville Longbottom and Dudley Dursley.

Some time ago, it was announced that Dominic McLaughlin would be playing the title character in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series. Now fans can see him in his new role for the first time – with his typical Hogwarts school uniform, circular glasses and iconic scar. The actor is holding the clapperboard in his hand, which shows Filming for the first episode starts on July 14. So the first school year can begin! We'll get to see it in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max.

First image of Nick Frost as Hagrid

Update: There's now also a first look at Nick Frost as Hagrid! As fans know, the Hogwarts gamekeeper is one of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's closest allies. Visually, Frost's portrayal clearly echoes Robbie Coltrane's iconic version from the original "Harry Potter" films.

Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom

The casting of some characters was also announced at the same time. Fans will probably be most interested in the casting of Neville Longbottom: The fan favorite will be played by newcomer Rory Wilmot. So far, his CV only includes one appearance in an episode of the crime series "FBI: International".

Neville Longbottom begins his journey in the "Harry Potter" series as a shy, often awkward student with little self-confidence. But over the course of the story, he develops into one of the bravest and most loyal characters in the series. In the "Harry Potter" films, Neville was played by Matthew Lewis.

Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley

Amos Kitson will play Dudley Dursley. Kitson is also a newcomer to the acting business. Dudley is Harry's spoiled cousin and the only child of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Harry Melling played Dudley in the films.

Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander

It has also been announced that Anton Lesser will play Garrick Ollivander. Ollivander is the famous wandmaker in the "Harry Potter" world and runs a store in Diagon Alley. With his extraordinary knowledge of wands and their cores, he is considered one of the best in his field. Harry's very first visit to him makes an impression when Ollivander explains that the wand chooses Harry – not the other way around.

Anton Lesser will now follow in the footsteps of John Hurt, who played the role in the films. Lesser is best known as Qyburn in "Game of Thrones". Most recently, the actor was also seen in the acclaimed "Star Wars" series "Andor".

Louise Brealey Madam Rolanda Hooch

Louise Brealey will play Madam Rolanda Hooch. Madam Hooch is the flying instructor and Quidditch referee at Hogwarts. Her new actress Louise Brealey is best known for her role as Molly Hooper in the popular "Sherlock" series with Benedict Cumberbatch.

These actors have already been confirmed

Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger

The other two roles of the iconic "Harry Potter" trio will be played by Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton. They play Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The three leading actors beat off more than 32,000 applicants. The casting process began in September 2024 and lasted several months.

Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall and Professor Quirrell

Paapa Essiedu takes on the role of the complex Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin House. The character is one of the most popular in the series. Essiedu follows in the footsteps of Alan Rickman, who made Snape unforgettable in the films. The role of the strict but popular Minerva McGonagall will be played by Janet McTeer, known from "Ozark" and "A Whole Half Year". In the films, she was played by Maggie Smith. Luke Thallon plays Professor Quirrell, the first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The role was originally played by Ian Hart.

Argus Filch and Albus Dumbledore

Paul Whitehouse plays the grumpy janitor Filch. In the original, he was played by David Bradley. And John Lithgow ("Dexter", "The Crown") takes on the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. He was the first publicly known actor of the show. Richard Harris and Michael Gambon played the character in the films. You can find the confirmed cast members for Draco Malfoy, Molly Weasley and more here.

Francesca Gardiner is taking over the creative control of the project as showrunner. She previously gained fantasy experience as a writer of the series "His Dark Materials". Mark Mylod's involvement as director has also been confirmed. He has already directed several episodes of well-known HBO shows such as "Game of Thrones" and "Succession". The image that has now been published has also made it known: Mylod will direct the first episode of the "Harry Potter" series.