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While all aspiring actors must be residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland, the casting call is open to individuals of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities
MANILA, Philippines – It’s time to solemnly swear that you’re up to no good because HBO’s series reboot of Harry Potter is officially underway.
On Tuesday, September 10, HBO announced a preliminary casting call for the iconic wizard trio of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
HBO is looking for children aged 9 to 11 by April 2025, and living in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
While all aspiring actors must be residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland, the casting call is open to individuals of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities, stating that it is “committed to inclusive, diverse casting.”
“For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated,” it said.
Auditionees are requested to submit two videos. The first video should be a 30-second performance of a poem, narrative, or monologue of choice—excluding material from Harry Potter—in their accent. The second video should be a one-minute introduction with information about their location, height, and date of birth. It should also include a description of a close friend, family member, or pet they have, also in their accent.
Interested applicants can submit their auditions until October 31 via the Cast It Talent website. Only parents or legal guardians can submit the auditionees’ applications.
It was in April 2023 when Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO’s parent company, announced that the hit fantasy novel series by J.K. Rowling is getting a new television series adaptation. It was reported to be a decade-long project that will dedicate an entire season to each of the seven books in the franchise, featuring a whole new cast. The series is also set to debut on Max, formerly known as HBO Max.
While a specific release date for the Harry Potter series has not yet been announced, the casting call notes that filming is expected to occur in the United Kingdom from 2025-2026. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has indicated that the series targets a 2026 release.
Rowling will serve as an executive producer for the television series, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman, who produced all the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, is also in talks about joining as an executive producer.
Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, known for their work on the acclaimed black-comedy drama series Succession, will also join the Harry Potter series as writer and director, respectively.
Harry Potter tells the story of an orphaned boy with magical powers. The film franchise ran from 2001 to 2011 and grossed $7.7 billion at the global box office. It starred Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter aka “The Boy Who Lived,” Emma Watson as Hermione, and Rupert Grint as Ron.
Meanwhile, Rowling has stirred controversy in recent years for comments accused of being transphobic. Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson were among those who criticized Rowling’s statements. – with additional reports from Zulaikha Palma/Rappler.com
Zulaikha Palma is a Rappler intern under Lifestyle and Entertainment section.
