HBO Opens Casting For New “Harry Potter” Series, Emphasizing Inclusive Casting
The search is officially on for the next generation of Hogwarts students, as HBO opens casting for its highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot series. A new poster has been released calling on children to audition for the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, aiming to discover fresh young talent for this magical adventure.
HBO confirmed the legitimacy of the casting call, with auditions open to boys and girls aged 9 to 11. According to the notice, the studio is looking for actors who will be between 9 and 11 years old by April 2025 and must be residents of the U.K. or Ireland. The casting call aims to recapture the essence of the original characters while giving a new generation of actors the chance to shine.
The application process is designed to be straightforward. Applicants must first send in a 30-second video reciting either a poem or a short story that’s not from Harry Potter, while using their natural accent. For the second video, applicants are asked to speak about themselves in no more than a minute. In this introduction, hopefuls should include their date of birth, height, where they live, and even share details about a family member, friend, or pet they’re particularly close to. This personal touch aims to bring out the character and personality of each applicant.
One of the notable aspects of this casting call is its commitment to diversity. The casting notice emphasized that HBO is dedicated to “inclusive, diverse casting,” stating that qualified performers will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.
The reboot comes nearly two decades after the first Harry Potter movie launched in theaters, turning Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson into household names. Now, with the new Max Original series, the goal is to dive even deeper into J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, offering fans a fresh yet faithful adaptation.
HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys expressed his excitement about the project, noting that the Harry Potter universe remains a global cultural phenomenon. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World,” Casey said in April 2023, when the series was first announced.
Filming is set to take place in the U.K., and children have until October 31 to submit their applications.
