HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series has officially secured a tangible link to the original film franchise with the return of Warwick Davis. Davis, who portrayed both Professor Filius Flitwick and the goblin Griphook across the eight Warner Bros. films, will reprise his role as Flitwick in the new adaptation. The series is scheduled to premiere on Max on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
Davis is currently the only actor from the original film series confirmed to reprise his exact previous role.
The New Generation of Wizards
The first season consists of eight episodes and will focus on the events of the first book. The central “Golden Trio” features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Stanton joins the project with a background in professional theater, having previously appeared in the West End production of Matilda.
The adult faculty at Hogwarts features a prestige ensemble of established actors. John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, with Janet McTeer cast as Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu has been cast as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost will take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid.
Creative Leadership and Production
The series is being developed with a long-term vision, with current plans spanning a decade-long run through 2037. Principal photography for the debut season began on July 14, 2025, at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The creative direction is led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, both of whom previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed series Succession. Mylod serves as a lead director and executive producer.
The production has also secured Hans Zimmer as the series composer, marking a new musical direction for the franchise. By utilizing the television format, the creators intend to provide a more detailed adaptation of the source material than was possible in the original feature films.
