HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is moving forward with an entirely new cast, but one familiar face has already crossed over from the original films—and it’s raised questions about who else might follow.
Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Professor Filius Flitwick in the series, despite claims that the project would be a complete reimagining.
Recently, the first official trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone showcased the lineup of new actors, including Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Watch the new trailer below:
Davis’ involvement has led to speculation about whether other original cast members could appear, particularly Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
The most obvious place for that would be the story’s ending. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part II (2011), the trio appear in an epilogue set 19 years later, showing them as adults sending their own children to Hogwarts. The scene was widely criticized at the time, largely due to the aging effects used.
Revisiting that moment in the series could open the door to cameos from the original actors, but there are several obstacles.
By the time the reboot reaches that point (which is estimated to be 2036 as the series is said to last a decade), the new cast will have aged alongside their roles, making recasting unnecessary. Inevitable advances in visual effects also mean the production could handle any required aging without bringing back previous actors.
There's also the fact that Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson have all publicly distanced themselves from Rowling, which complicates any potential return.
Related: HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Cast Members Reportedly Seen Fighting on Set : Disney Fanatic
Outside of that discussion, the reboot continues to draw attention for its scale and casting, while also facing backlash since its 2021 announcement, including criticism directed at cast members like Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape, and boycotts tied to Rowling’s involvement.
For now, Davis remains the only returning actor, and the possibility of seeing the original Harry, Ron, and Hermione again appears slim.
The show will span seven seasons, each corresponding to one of Rowling's best-sellers.
Filming has taken place on a custom-built set at Leavesden near Watford—the same location used for the original films—and across multiple locations throughout the U.K.
Supporting actors include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
The series is written and executive-produced by Francesca Gardiner (Succession, Killing Eve, His Dark Materials), with Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, David Heyman, and Mark Mylod serving as executive producers. Mylod will also direct several episodes.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres on HBO on Christmas 2026.
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