“Harry Potter” legend Warwick Davis was delighted to be back on the popular movie franchise’s iconic set for an ongoing Food Network series.

Davis joined the hosts of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” James and Oliver Phelps — who, of course, are also “Harry Potter” alums — for the fifth episode of season 2 of the show on Sunday, November 30.

The episode was the season semi-final, and was titled “Magical Beasts, Beings, and Creatures,” and Davis acted as guest judge for the occasion.

Introducing Davis to the contestants, the Phelps brothers described him as “indisputably Harry Potter royalty” and said he would be “unquestionably the toughest baking judge in the muggle world” — something the team of Jujhar and Katie discovered, as they were eliminated just one week before the final.

The actor — who is also famous for his roles in the “Star Wars,” “Leprechaun,” and “Willow” franchises — played three characters in the “Harry Potter” movies. They were Professor Filius Flitwick, Griphook, and the Goblin Bank Teller.

He seemed to enjoy his time back on the “Harry Potter” set for the show and spoke about it in a video uploaded to the Food Network Instagram account.

In the 123-second video, Davis answers six questions about the “Harry Potter” set and food — both of which are, obviously, rather fitting, given the themes of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” He answered them all with great enthusiasm.

Being Back on Set Gave Warwick Davis ‘Warm’ Feelings

The video was captioned, “@warwickadavis is back for Season 2 of #WizardsOfBaking! 🙌 Hear from this Hogwarts legend about returning to these iconic sets!”

The first question Davis was asked was, “What are you excited about this time around?” He said he was excited about tasting more amazing cakes and seeing more amazing creations.

Next he was asked, “Any fun stories or memories from working with James and Oliver?” Davis described his memories of the Weasley twins setting fireworks off to protest against the authoritarian rule of Dolores Umbridge. Although he didn’t interact with the Phelps twins in that scene, his character, Professor Filius Flitwick, reacts to their actions and he thinks the scene works well.

“How is it to be back on the iconic movie sets?” was the next question. He said it brings back all the nice and warm memories of the moments they experienced during filming. He added that it was like revisiting an old house you used to live in.

Then Davis was asked, “What is your level of baking experience?” He not-so-humbly bragged about his time on the celebrity version of “The Great British Bake Off,” when he became “star baker.” He joked that his opinion should be taken very seriously as a result of that.

Davis was then asked, “What is your signature dish?” He replied that it’s the traditional British dessert known as a Bakewell tart. He added that he made it on “The Great British Bake Off” and it went down very well.

The final question was, “What is your favorite dessert?” Davis said he enjoys a crumble and has both custard and ice cream with it. He called the combination “delicious.”

If you’d like to hear Davis’ answers in full, you’ll have to watch the whole video!

Fans Said Davis Has the ‘Best Vibes Ever’

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Food Network and “Harry Potter” fans had many nice things to say about Warwick Davis in the video’s comments.

One user wrote, “Best vibes ever ✨️.”

Someone else commented, “I’m smack dab in the middle of GenX, and he’s been in movies since I was a little kid. HOW IS HE NOT AGING? 🤯”

Referencing the “Leprechaun” franchise, in which Davis played the eponymous character, one fan said, “The real lep in the hood 🔥.”

Meanwhile, one particularly concise fan showed their appreciation for Davis by simply commenting, “Thank you.”

“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” season 2 comes to a climax next Sunday, December 7, at 8|7c. The finale will be titled “The Goblet of Fire.”

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Rupert Grint, who famously played Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” films has spoken out about his feelings towards always being closely associated with the franchise. While discussing the benefits of working on such a popular and successful series, Grint made clear that he is comfortable with the lifelong connection he has with the wizarding world. 

Rupert Grint Happy To Be in Ron’s Shadow

The actor discussed the impact of “Harry Potter” on his life while speaking to BBC News. He acknowledged that he is always likely to be most associated with Ron Weasley, despite the fact his final performance as the character came 14 years ago. Yet, Grint explained that he is comfortable with that fact and doesn’t regret his role in the movies.

“It has a quite deep meaning to a lot of people of my generation, and even more to generations who are finding it now,” Grint said. “It’s great. It gives me a lot of pride. It was such a huge thing.”

He added, “It changed my whole life quite quickly. I was a huge fan of the books, so for me it was like stepping into the books, and that was very special.”

When asked about being constantly kicked to his red-headed character, Grint responded positively. “I’m fine with that. I think it’s great,” he explained. “I love meeting people who really felt this was part of their childhood.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever quite step out of his shadow, but I’m fine with that.”

Rupert Grint Writes Letter to New Ron Actor

Grint also discussed his feelings towards the upcoming HBO television adaptation of the “Harry Potter” books. “It’s quite strange to have the cycle happening again,” he said. “I’m really intrigued what it’s going to be like.”

“I think it’s great that it’s a whole new thing. It’s going to be its own thing, and I think that will be fun,” he said.

Like his co-star Daniel Radcliffe, Grint told BBC News that he has also written a letter to the young actor who is portraying Ron Weasley in the new television series. 

“I wrote him a letter, before they started, passing the baton as it were,” he said.

Grint continued, “It was really just wishing him all the best with it. I had so much fun stepping into this world, and I hope he has the same experience.”

Grint Had No Plans To Return to the Wizarding World

At the end of the interview, Grint explained that he would never discourage any other young or aspiring actors from taking roles in large franchises like “Harry Potter.” When asked about whether he would suggest it to other children, he said, “I don’t see why not. It was so much fun.”

However, that doesn’t mean that Grint is itching to reprise his role as Ron. Following the recent return of Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy for the Broadway adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” Grint explained that he had no plans to return to the magical world of Hogwarts in the near future. 

“Maybe in the future. Never say never,” he said. “But for now, I think as much as I loved it, I’m enjoying stepping outside of that world.”

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A “Harry Potter” star has returned to the movies’ set to appear on a popular Food Network show.

Afshan Azad played Hogwarts student Padma Patil in five of the eight “Harry Potter” movies, starting with 2005’s “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and ending with 2011’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.”

Azad, 37, acted as a guest judge on the Sunday, November 23 of episode of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” which was the fourth episode of the second season of the show, titled “Up to No Good.”

The show is hosted by her former Potterverse co-stars, James and Oliver Phelps (they played twins Fred and George Weasley in the franchise). It’s filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom, where some of the original sets from the movies, such as The Great Hall and Diagon Alley, provide epic backdrops to the contestants’ culinary challenges.

The actress has spoken about what it was like to be back on the set and to be reunited with the Phelps brothers.

Afshan Azad Said It Was ‘Surreal’ to Be Back on the ‘Harry Potter’ Set

In a 94-second video, uploaded to the Food Network’s official Instagram and linked to Afshan Azad’s account, the actress was asked a series of questions about her experience on the set of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” She answered in great detail.

The first question was, “How is it to be back on the movie’s set?” Azad said it was surreal and took her back 15 years, but she was very happy to be there.

Then Azad was asked, “What is it like to be reunited with the brothers?” She replied that they grew up together and were like brothers to her, so it was great to be back with them and amazing to catch up as adults with children of their own.

“What is your level of baking experience?” was the next question. Azad responded that she was quite a good baker and, if her husband’s word is anything to go by, an amazing chef. She added the she loves to bake and is always in the kitchen, so it was a dream to appear on the show.

The next question was “What are you hoping to see from the bakes?” Azad’s response was that she was looking forward to seeing some great bakes, but the level of talent of the bakers on the show and the scale of their bakes exceeded her expectations.

Finally, Azad was asked, “What is your favorite dessert?” Her response was the she loves a classic apple crumble and, as someone from the north of England, she will only have custard with it, not cream.

You’ll have to watch the whole video to see her answers in full.

Fans Loved Seeing Azad on ‘Wizards of Baking’ — ‘She’s So Stunning’

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Viewers of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” loved seeing Afshan Azad on the show, and they made their thoughts on her appearance clear in the video’s comments.

One fan said, “So nice to see you on screen again!! @afshanazad”

Another wrote, “HEY AFSHAN I LOVE YOU SM.”

Someone else commented, “She’s so stunning ❤️❤️.”

Meanwhile, one person couldn’t hide their excitement for the next episode of the show. They wrote, “So excited for the next episode!!”

The next episode of “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” is titled “Magical Beasts, Beings, and Creatures.” It will feature Warwick Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick and the goblin Griphook in the “Harry Potter” movies, as a guest judge. It will air on Sunday, November 30, at 8|7c on the Food Network.

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Daniel Radcliffe might have hung up his Hogwarts robes years ago, but it seems like he’s still got that Gryffindor heart. While stopping by “Good Morning America” on November 18, 2025 to promote his return to Broadway in “Every Brilliant Thing,” he ended up talking about “Harry Potter,” obviously. 

And honestly, the whole moment was peak Daniel: humble, thoughtful, and just a little emotional in the best way.

A Warm Welcome Across Generations

When the topic of the upcoming “Harry Potter” series came up, Radcliffe revealed that he’d reached out directly to Dominic McLaughlin, the young actor stepping into the role of Harry Potter. And, yep, you read that right; he actually wrote him a letter. “I wouldn’t say that anyone who is going to play Harry has to [call me]. I know a few people that are working on the production. So… I wrote to Dominic and I sent him a letter and he sent me a very sweet note back.”

Move over, Owl Post… Radcliffe’s got this covered.

What makes this even sweeter is that he wasn’t trying to be some looming, legendary shadow over the new cast. He explained, “I do not want to be like a specter in the lives of these children at all. I just wanted to write to him and say like, you know, I hope you have the best time and an even better time than I did. I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better one.”

That’s the kind of support any young actor would dream of. Especially one stepping into such a massive role. And it seems like Radcliffe really feels protective in that gentle, big-brother way. He added, “And I do… I just see those pictures of him and all the other kids and I just want to like hug them. They just seem so young. It seems… I do look at them and I go like, ‘Oh, it’s crazy that I was doing that at that age.’ But it’s also like incredibly sweet and I hope they’re having a great time.”

Let’s be real: that’s adorable.

Meet the Next Generation of Hogwarts

It seems like fans aren’t the only ones excited to see the next crop of wizarding world stars… Radcliffe is fully cheering them on. And since the cast list is growing, here’s a quick look at the confirmed young actors bringing Hogwarts back to life.

• Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
  
• Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
  
• Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger

• Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
  
• Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan
  
• Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil
  
• Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown
  
• Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
  
• Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley
  
• Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley
  
• Gabriel Harland as George Weasley
  
• Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley
  
• Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas
  
• Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe
  
• William Nash as Gregory Goyle
  
• Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
  

It’s a lineup packed with fresh faces; and it seems like Radcliffe couldn’t be happier to see them stepping into the magic.

A Legacy Built on Kindness

From the way Radcliffe talks about this new generation, it’s clear he’s not clinging to his title as the Harry Potter. Instead, he’s passing the torch with grace, warmth, and a whole lot of encouragement. It seems like he knows exactly what these kids are about to experience (the excitement, the pressure, the wonder) and he just wants them to enjoy every second of it.

If Radcliffe’s letter is any sign, this new era of Hogwarts is starting off on the right foot: with heart, hope, and a little bit of magic.

“Harry Potter” is expected to air on HBO and HBO Max in 2027, according to a Warner Bros. Discovery press release.

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“Harry Potter” alum Jason Isaacs is showing major love to his former on-screen son. The “White Lotus” actor attended Tom Felton’s performance in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at New York’s Lyric Theatre and shared an emotional tribute after watching Felton step back into Draco Malfoy for the first time in 14 years.

Isaacs posted photos from the night on Instagram, writing, “I came. I saw. He conquered. You had your own giant boots to fill, son, and you burst them at the seams. Balls like ostrich eggs. So brave. So proud. So glad to be there.”

Fans immediately filled the comments with excitement over the Malfoy reunion. One user wrote, “Father and son goals. This is everything,” while another said, “It’s so beautiful and touching to see the bond you two share. The Malfoys, reunited once again!”

Felton, 38, made his Broadway debut as the adult Draco on Nov. 11. The show, which takes place nearly 20 years after the original story, marks his first time returning to the role since the final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2,” in 2011. According to Parade, Felton received a loud applause from the crowd when he stepped onstage for the first time.

Their Father-Son Bond Has Only Grown Stronger

Felton later shared his own appreciation post on Instagram, posting a carousel of photos featuring Isaacs and Aidan Close, who plays Draco’s son Scorpius in the stage production. “No one does it quite like the Malfoys. Three generations meet for the first time. Needless to say, it was pretty magical… Love you dad,” he wrote.

Their real-life bond has been well known for years. Back in June, Felton gave Isaacs a sweet shoutout on the Tony Awards red carpet, telling E! News he learned “just as much off screen” from Isaacs as he did on set. He added that they still call each other “dad” and “son,” a nod to their days as Lucius and Draco.

Isaacs replied shortly after, posting on X that he was proud of Felton and had already booked tickets for November to see him reprise Draco in “Cursed Child.” Felton had previously shared that returning to the role felt like a “pinch-me kind of situation” since he let go of Draco 16 years ago.

Felton’s Broadway Debut Was Met With a Standing Ovation

Felton’s first performance as Draco earlier this month also made headlines for a major Broadway moment. As previously reported, he received a standing ovation the instant he appeared onstage, forcing the cast to pause for more than 30 seconds while the crowd cheered. The production later called his return “a full-circle moment,” noting that Felton is now the same age as Draco in the story.

Felton is set to play Draco through March 22, 2026, with Isaacs cheering him on every step of the way. As Isaacs wrote to him in his now-viral post, “So brave. So proud.”

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Lucious Malfoy actor and “Harry Potter” star Tom Felton received a standing ovation amongst rapturous applause when he appeared on stage for a Broadway performance of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Felton’s debut led to a pause in the performance as the cast waited for the audience to calm down before they could continue.

Tom Felton Receives Huge Applause On Stage Debut

Felton made his debut in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at a performance on Broadway in the Lyric Theatre in New York City. The appearance meant that Felton reprised his role from the “Harry Potter” film franchise for the first time since the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” in 2011.

With the audience seemingly unaware that Felton would be appearing on stage, members of the crowd spontaneously broke out into rapturous applause when the actor stepped onto stage. The applause continued for more than 30 seconds, forcing the cast to pause the performance and Felton to stand in place until the noise died down.

The official Instagram account for the production shared footage of the moment online along with the caption, “It’s true then, what they’re saying on the train. Tom Felton has come to Broadway.” The actor is due to remain in the role of Malfoy until March 22, 2026.

The show sees Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco as adults 19 years after the events of the original novels and films and was created by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. The plot centers around the children of the main characters attending Hogwarts.

Felton had previously explained that playing Draco Malfoy once again felt like a full circle moment as the actor is the same age as the character he is portraying. 

“Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in ‘Cursed Child’ this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play,” he said. “It’s surreal to be stepping back into his shoes – and of course his iconic platinum blond hair – and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world.”

Harry Potter Returning For Television Adaptation

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News broke earlier this year that HBO was adapting the “Harry Potter” novels as part of a television series. The cast includes relative unknowns portraying the wizarding children, including Dominic McLaughlin as the new Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. 

Joining them will be John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall.

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Move over, wizards and muggles alike; Tom Felton just got the ultimate pre-Broadway glow-up. The actor, famous for bringing Draco Malfoy to life in the “Harry Potter” films, got to light up the Empire State Building in Slytherin green ahead of his adult return as Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Yep, you read that right! One of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, bathed in green, in honor of our favorite blond-haired, sharp-tongued wizard.

Getty (Arturo Holmes for Empire State Realty Trust)

Official Accounts Give Fans a Green Glow

The tribute was captured in a video posted by the @empirestatebldg, @harrypotter, and @cursedchildus Instagram accounts. The caption read: “Shining in green tonight in Celebration of Tom Felton’s Broadway Debut and Return to the Role of ‘Draco Malfoy’ in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Fans were quick to show up and show out, with thousands of likes piling up in minutes. Green heart emojis, Slytherin pride, and general freak-outs flooded the comments, proving that this fandom is still going strong.

It seems like the hype for Felton’s return has been building forever. And this little touch of real-world magic was the perfect kickoff. The “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” play has been a massive hit since it debuted, even going so far as to break a sales record (via BroadwayWorld). But seeing Felton step back into the role of an adult Draco adds a whole new level of excitement for both longtime fans and new ones.

Fandom Goes Full Slytherin

Fans couldn’t contain themselves over the Empire State Building tribute. One wrote, “Proud to be a Slytherin 🐍💚,” while another commented, “So It was real???? I Thought It was a fake Picture in the internet😹.” And one particularly enchanted fan even called it “The ultimate Lumos spell! 💚🐍.”

It seems like moments like this are exactly what the fandom lives for. A New York landmark turning Slytherin green isn’t just a cute gesture. It’s a reminder that the wizarding world still has a way of sneaking into the real one. You can almost feel the collective excitement of fans everywhere as the lights hit green across the skyline. Felton’s return isn’t just a Broadway moment; it’s a fandom celebration, and it seems like everyone is here for it.

Getty (Arturo Holmes for Empire State Realty Trust)

Getty (Arturo Holmes for Empire State Realty Trust)

Broadway Beckons, and Draco’s Back

Soon, Felton officially begins performing in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” bringing a grown-up Draco Malfoy to life in front of live audiences. It’s a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and a little bit of Slytherin mischief all rolled into one. Longtime fans finally get to see Draco evolve. And new audiences get introduced to a more complex side of the wizarding world.

With the Empire State Building glowing in his honor, it feels like the entire city (and maybe even the fandom worldwide) is celebrating his return. Between the iconic green lights and the fan reactions, it seems like the magic of Draco Malfoy is stronger than ever.

Catch Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway starting November 11, 2025 thru May 10, 2026.

Ticket information available at broadway.harrypottertheplay.com.

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While fans across the US wait, albeit impatiently, for the highly anticipated premiere of “The Traitors” Season 4 in early 2026, the UK’s “Celebrity Traitors” has provided plenty of the franchise’s classic cloak-and-dagger drama since it premiered earlier this month. 

The star-studded season differs from the UK spin-off’s typical civilian casts, featuring the likes of comedian and “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” judge Alan Carr, star of Netflix’s “Fall of the House of Usher” Ruth Codd, legendary actor and author Stephen Fry, and Olympic athlete Tom Daley amongst others. 

Actress Miriam Margolyes, known for her role as Professor Pamona Sprout in the best-selling “Harry Potter” films, was similarly offered a spot on the cast, but ultimately turned down the opportunity. 

Miriam Margolyes Reveals Why She Turned Down ‘Traitors’ Offer

According to Metro, Margolyes opened up about the offer to compete on the murder-mystery competition series during an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival, telling fans, “I was offered this job just recently – and I can’t think of anything I’d rather do less.” 

(Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

While Margolyes conceded that there are some “jolly good people” on the line-up of the currently-airing season, she revealed that she’s never watched “The Traitors,” adding, “I don’t intend to watch it.” 

Margolyes was not the only UK-based star who turned down the opportunity to appear on “Celebrity Traitors” however. “The Apprentice” star Karren Brady, daytime TV icon Martin Lewis and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher were similarly approached for the season, declining for a variety of reasons including scheduling difficulties. 

Margolyes Taking Step Back From Acting to Focus on Health

While Margolyes reported that she turned down the offer due to lack of interest, the news comes after the 84-year-old actress revealed that she’s taking a step away from acting to focus on her health. 

“When you know that you haven’t got long to live…I’m loath to leave behind performing,” Margolyes said in an August 2025 interview with the Daily Mail’s “Weekend Magazine”.

“[Performing] is such a joy,” she continued. “I year to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.” 

While Margolyes’ humor and legacy would be enough to make her a welcome addition to any “Traitors” season, her 2023 heart surgery, coupled with difficulties caused by spinal stenosis, arthritis and rheumatism, would make competing in the series high-octane challenges increasingly difficult. 

Despite being primarily known for her role in the “Harry Potter” films, Margolyes has been acting since the 1960s and has more than 200 acting credits to her name to date. Most notably, the actress earned a BAFTA Award for her role in “The Age of Innocence,” but has similarly appeared in films like “Romeo and Juliet” and “Balto,” as well as television series like “Doctor Who” and “Call the Midwife.”

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John Lithgow is officially stepping into the wizarding world. The 79-year-old actor has been spotted for the first time on the set of HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series, fully transformed into Albus Dumbledore.

John Lithgow Debuts as Dumbledore on Set

On Tuesday, October 7, Lithgow was photographed in character as the beloved headmaster of Hogwarts. In photos shared by Movie Magick on Instagram, he sported a long, wispy white beard that reached his waist, flowing robes, and small round spectacles resting on his nose — a look instantly familiar to fans of the original films. The actor was seen standing on a sandy beach in England, where production has been taking place for the past three months.

This is the first time Lithgow has been photographed on set since HBO began filming the highly anticipated series in July. The network previously celebrated the start of production by releasing the first official image of Dominic McLaughlin in costume as Harry Potter, as well as a shot of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid — originally portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane. Since then, fans have caught glimpses of additional shoot days across England, including scenes filmed at King’s Cross Station featuring the Weasley family boarding the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾.

Lithgow’s casting was announced earlier this year. At the time, he admitted to ScreenRant that the decision to accept the role wasn’t simple. “It was not an easy decision, because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life,” he said, referring to the time commitment involved. The series will adapt each of J.K. Rowling’s seven books into individual seasons. “But I’ve said yes.”

Lithgow Responds to Criticism and Joins Star-Studded Cast

Lithgow has also addressed criticism over an American actor portraying one of Britain’s most iconic fictional characters. “I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But I will do my best,” he said on BBC’s “The One Show.”

“I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV. I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on ‘The Crown’ and did just fine,” he added with a laugh. He described playing Dumbledore as “an enormous thrill,” while admitting he feels “very intimidated” by the responsibility.

The ensemble cast includes Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Paul Whitehouse as Filch, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell, and Warwick Davis reprising his film role as Professor Flitwick. Outside Hogwarts, Katherine Parkinson will portray Molly Weasley, Bel Powley will play Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby will take on Vernon Dursley, Johnny Flynn will appear as Lucius Malfoy, and Lox Pratt will portray Draco Malfoy. Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively, opposite McLaughlin’s Harry.

Cillian Murphy Addresses Voldemort Rumors

Meanwhile, Cillian Murphy has set the record straight on persistent fan rumors that he would be taking over the role of Lord Voldemort. Appearing on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Murphy was asked if there was any truth to the speculation. “No,” he replied immediately. “I mean, no. Genuinely.”

“My kids show me on occasions, but like, no. I don’t know anything about that,” he said of the viral theories. Murphy also acknowledged the legacy of the role, saying, “It’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend, so good luck to whoever is gonna fill those shoes.”

The new “Harry Potter” series is set to premiere on HBO in 2027.

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Harry Potter is one of the most celebrated franchises of all time. It’s so relevant that an HBO series is in the works. Now, more than two decades since the film version of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” it’s returning to movie theaters. 

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” arrived in movie theaters on November 16, 2001. According to Variety, Warner Bros. has planned a global rerelease schedule for the film. This rerelease is scheduled for 2026.

The Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products group stated, “This anniversary not only celebrates the legacy of the original film but also introduces the magic to a new generation.”

Chris Columbus directed the first Harry Potter movie, and it stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The seven movies are based on the books by J.K. Rowling.

There’s More Planned for the Harry Potter Anniversary

Variety also reports that Warner Bros. has a year-long celebration planned for fans. In addition to the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” there will be special edition products as well as retail promotions. Details regarding the new products and promotions will be announced at a later date.

That’s not all. There will also be a brand new 25th anniversary logo for the celebrated film. Additionally, there will be live in-person activations. According to Deadline, the first will be for Butterbeer Season, which is from March to May. Next, there’s an activation for the beloved wizard’s birthday, which is in July.

Later, there’s a Back to Hogwarts activation planned for August through September. Lastly, there’s Christmas in the Wizarding World.

Fans Also Have the Show to Look Forward To

According to Deadline, the Harry Potter HBO series is set to premiere in early 2027. The show went into production in July 2025, starring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry. It will also feature Alastair Stout as Ronald Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.

Regarding some of the staff at Hogwarts, John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, and Nick Frost will play Rubeus Hagrid. Janet McTeer will take on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Francesca Gardiner is writing the Harry Potter series, and Mark Mylod will serve as director. They will also executive produce the series. The show is planned to have a ten-season run.

Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content, said of the show, “This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.” He also called it “a faithful adaptation.”

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