OG Harry Potter Stars Officially React to Replacement Cast as Hit Spin-Off Series Returns

Letters for the new Weasleys

James and Oliver Phelps told TV Insider they wrote individual letters to Tristan and Gabriel Harland, who are taking over the roles of Fred and George Weasley. The brothers said they wanted to share some of their experiences and wish the newcomers well.

Oliver Phelps described the notes as private messages. He said other actors from the films had also reached out to members of the new cast. The Phelps brothers said they felt fortunate to have played the characters.

HBO’s new young cast

Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The series also features John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

Other announced cast members include Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. Filming is expected to span 2025 and 2026.

Premiere dates differ

The story gives two different premiere timings for HBO’s series. It first says the adaptation arrives in 2027, then states that it premieres on December 25, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.