Warwick Davis reprises role as Professor Flitwick in upcoming Harry Potter tv series on HBO

Warwick Davis is officially returning to Hogwarts, reprising his role as Professor Flitwick in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.

This marks the first time an original cast member from the films has been confirmed for the reboot. The news, unveiled during Warner Bros.’ annual “Back to Hogwarts” celebration, has sent longtime fans into a frenzy of excitement and curiosity. For a franchise that shaped a generation, Davis’s comeback signals both continuity and change.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why Warwick Davis’s return is a big deal

Warwick Davis has long been one of the most recognizable faces in the Harry Potter franchise.

He played not only Flitwick, the charming Charms professor, but also Griphook the goblin in the original films. For the HBO reboot, he’ll focus solely on Flitwick, while Leigh Gill steps into the role of Griphook.

This decision creates a cleaner divide between the two characters while honoring Davis’s iconic place in the wizarding world. His involvement ensures that the series isn’t severing all ties to the films that fans grew up with, but rather weaving in familiar magic to keep the legacy alive.

Who else has joined the cast?

The new cast brings a mix of rising talent and household names.

Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout takes on Ron Weasley. These young actors will carry the story forward for a new generation.

The adult cast adds significant star power. John Lithgow steps into the role of Dumbledore, Janet McTeer becomes McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu takes on Snape, and Nick Frost transforms into Hagrid.

Supporting characters include Sirine Saba as Professor Sprout, Richard Durden as Professor Binns, and Bríd Brennan as Madam Pomfrey. First-year students like Dean Thomas, Crabbe, and Goyle are also in the lineup, ensuring a full Hogwarts roster.

When and where is the series filming?

Production officially began in July 2025, with cameras rolling at Leavesden Studios in the UK.

This is the same location where all eight films were shot, reinforcing continuity in both setting and atmosphere. The production team even built a dedicated school space on set to accommodate the child actors’ education during filming.

London has also played host to several key shoots. Borough High Street and King’s Cross Station have already been transformed into familiar wizarding backdrops. Filming is expected to continue through mid-2026 before moving into post-production.

How will the story unfold?

Unlike the films, HBO’s series is designed to give each book its own season.

That means seven seasons in total, each with space to explore overlooked subplots, character arcs, and lore from J.K. Rowling’s original novels. For longtime readers, this is a chance to finally see details that the films left behind.

The first season will cover “Philosopher’s Stone,” with eight episodes planned. Later seasons are expected to follow the same pattern, expanding the world in a way that stays loyal to the books while creating room for modern storytelling techniques.

Who is behind the creative vision?

HBO has lined up a powerhouse team to guide the project.

Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on “Succession,” serves as showrunner. Mark Mylod, who directed episodes of “Game of Thrones” and “Succession,” is attached to direct multiple episodes.

Executive producers include J.K. Rowling herself, alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, who produced the original Potter films. Their involvement ensures that the reboot stays grounded in the franchise’s DNA while pushing the story into fresh territory.

When will it premiere?

Fans in the United States can expect the series to debut on HBO in early 2027.

Originally intended for HBO Max, the project shifted to HBO proper in 2024 as part of Warner Bros.’ new streaming and television strategy.

This rollout strategy guarantees the series will get a premium spotlight. With years of buildup, by the time it airs, anticipation will be sky-high. Early estimates suggest the show will become one of HBO’s most-watched premieres.

Why are some fans divided?

While Davis’s return has been celebrated, not everyone is convinced about the reboot.

Some fans argue that bringing back a single actor while recasting everyone else creates a strange middle ground between nostalgia and reinvention. Others see it as the perfect balance.

Davis provides a familiar thread for older fans, while the rest of the cast offers a chance to reimagine the story for new audiences. This debate reflects the enormous expectations that come with reintroducing one of the world’s most beloved franchises.

What does this mean for the future of Harry Potter

HBO is clearly betting big on Harry Potter as a long-term franchise.

With a multi-season commitment and a production budget rivaling “House of the Dragon,” the series is set to dominate pop culture when it arrives.

Warwick Davis’s return is more than just a casting choice; it’s a symbol of what this reboot represents. It’s not about erasing the past but about layering new interpretations on top of the familiar, giving old and new fans alike something to celebrate.

TL;DR

• Warwick Davis will reprise Professor Flitwick in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot.
• He won’t play Griphook this time; Leigh Gill takes over that role.
• The new cast includes Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), Arabella Stanton (Hermione), and Alastair Stout (Ron).
• The adult cast features John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost.
• Filming began in July 2025 at Leavesden Studios, with shoots also in London.
• Each season will adapt one of the seven books in depth.
• HBO plans a 2027 U.S. premiere, with major budget and long-term investment.
• Some fans are divided, but Davis’s return provides both continuity and credibility.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.