Harry Potter: First picture of the Weasley children released
Charlie Weasley is also set to join the cast
Production of the "Harry Potter" series is already in full swing and a lot is still happening in terms of the cast. HBO has now published a first picture of the Weasley children on its own Instagram channel.
Tristan and Gabriel Harland are taking on the popular roles of the twins Fred and George Weasley. Ruari Spooner will be seen as Percy Weasley, while Gracie Cochrane plays the youngest sister Ginny. And, of course, Alastair Stout as Ron is not to be missed.
It was also revealed in the caption of the post that Charlie Weasley will also be making an appearance. As in the books, he is currently in Romania, where he is conducting dragon research after Hogwarts, but is expected to "join us soon". It remains to be seen who will take on the role of the eldest Weasley brother Bill – in the movies, he was played by Domhnall Gleeson.
The series introduces a whole new main trio: Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter, Alastair Stout is Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton will portray Hermione Granger. Filming is currently in full swing, accompanied by all kinds of leaks in which Harry and Hagrid can be seen roaming the streets of London. Each of J.K. Rowling's seven books will have its own season. The first season will premiere in 2027.
Magical opportunities: What the new "Harry Potter" series from HBO can do differently from the films
The news that HBO is producing a large-scale series adaptation of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series has caused a huge stir in the fan community. While the films from 2001 to 2011 shaped an entire generation, many fans still want an even deeper, more detailed adaptation of the books. This is exactly where the series comes in: It aims to tell each of the seven novels in a complete season, opening up possibilities that were closed to the films due to time and format constraints.
More space for the story
One of the biggest opportunities lies in the length of the format. Each season is expected to comprise ten episodes and be dedicated to a single book. This means that characters, storylines and background stories that were cut short or omitted entirely in the films could now be given the space they deserve. Especially in the later volumes, where the plot becomes more complex and political issues such as the Ministry of Magic or the "pureblood" ideology come to the fore, the series format opens up the possibility of presenting these elements in more detail.
Character development in detail
The films often had to focus on the trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione, while many secondary characters were only hinted at. This could be changed in a series: Characters such as Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom or even the teachers at Hogwarts could be developed much more. Neville in particular, whose heroic story is of great importance in the seventh book, could be developed more consistently from the outset.
The Weasley family, whose cast is now gradually being revealed, also has potential for more depth. Relationships between the siblings, as well as their individual strengths and weaknesses, could be given a clearer profile.
A modern look at the wizarding world
Since the early 2000s, not only has the television landscape changed, but also audience expectations. Series such as "Game of Thrones" or "His Dark Materials" have shown how serious and high-quality fantasy material can be staged. With HBO as producer, it is to be expected that the series will not only strike a more modern tone visually, but also thematically.
This may also include a more sensitive portrayal of topics such as discrimination, identity or abuse of power, which are already present in the books. This could make the series seem more relevant and contemporary, especially for a new generation of viewers.
Different artistic styles
While the films were strongly characterized by the signature style of individual directors – such as Chris Columbus or David Yates – a series with changing episode directors offers the opportunity for more diverse artistic approaches. At the same time, showrunner Francesca Gardiner ("His Dark Materials", "Killing Eve") ensures that a consistent tone is maintained.
Mark Mylod, who directed "Succession" among others, is also an experienced name on board who has mastered complex character relationships and finely balanced arcs of tension. Fans can look forward to seeing how this signature style is transferred to the magical world.
Visual effects and modern technology
The series could also set new standards on a technical level. The films delivered impressive special effects for their time, but today's technology allows for even more detail. Dragons, Patroni or the magic duels could look more spectacular, but at the same time appear more realistic and less CGI-influenced.
A second home for fans
Last but not least, the series offers an opportunity for the community. Many fans who grew up with the books and films want a reinterpretation that is both nostalgic and fresh. At the same time, the series can appeal to a new generation who may be experiencing the story for the first time. If HBO succeeds in mastering this balancing act, "Harry Potter" could not only be a reunion, but also a new beginning.
Conclusion
The new "Harry Potter" series is more than just a remake: it is an opportunity to rediscover the familiar story with the depth, seriousness and quality of modern series production. While the films enjoy cult status, the series has a great opportunity to tell the Hogwarts universe in a more comprehensive, multi-layered and perhaps even more emotional way. Whether it makes use of this potential will become clear from 2027 – but the course is set for magic.
