Harry Potter TV series reveals new cast at iconic Hogwarts set filming in November

The HBO Harry Potter TV series just revealed its full cast in iconic Hogwarts robes. Filming took place at Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire on November 10, 2025. The first-look photos show Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter wearing burgundy instead of black. Production continues at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden throughout 2025.

What Just Happened on the Hogwarts Set

Brand-new set photos captured the Harry Potter TV series in action at Ashridge Estate. The location holds significance—it’s where Warner Bros. filmed the Quidditch World Cup scenes. This time, the cast wore redesigned costumes that mark a fresh direction.

Dominic McLaughlin, the new Harry, sports a burgundy cloak instead of plain black. Lox Pratt, who plays Draco Malfoy, wears what appears to be Slytherin green. The costume redesign signals how HBO plans to differentiate this adaptation. Louise Brealey, known from Sherlock, makes her debut as Madam Hooch in a modern, athletic-inspired outfit.

“Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world.”

The scene being filmed depicts the students’ very first flying lesson. It matches the iconic moment from the books where Draco steals Neville’s Remembrall. The production team chose one of England’s most recognizable estates. This demonstrates HBO’s commitment to scale and authenticity.

Why This Cast Reveal Matters for Harry Potter Fans

After months of set photos from various locations, fans finally have a clear picture of the main cast in full costume. This changes everything for Harry Potter devotees who’ve debated the casting choices online. Seeing Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout together confirms they’re bringing energy to the beloved trio.

The costume redesign directly addresses concerns from Chris Columbus, the original film director. He wondered why the new series looked too similar to his work. Now, house-specific colors and modern styling create visual distinction. The burgundy robes hint at Gryffindor pride without copying the original aesthetic.

For streaming fans, this is significant because HBO committed to making each season a complete book adaptation. Unlike the films that combined books, this series gives each story 8 full episodes. That means more depth, more scenes, and more details from J.K. Rowling’s source material. The production scale visible in these photos proves HBO isn’t cutting corners.

Supporting roles feature industry veterans bringing depth to Hogwarts. John Lithgow takes on Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer plays Minerva McGonagall. Nick Frost brings warmth to Rubeus Hagrid. Paapa Essiedu portrays the complex Severus Snape. These adult performances anchor the younger cast’s growth throughout the series.

Behind the Scenes: What to Expect Next

• The production continues through spring 2026 at multiple filming locations across England.
• Scenes beyond the books will appear—such as Dumbledore visiting Nicolas Flamel—expanding the magical world.
• Season endings will adapt complete books faithfully over 8 episodes each.
• More set photos are likely as Ashridge Estate, Cornwall locations, and London Zoo host production.
• A 2026 trailer may debut before the 2027 premiere.

The production has already filmed flying lessons, scenes with the Dursleys at London Zoo, Diagon Alley sequences, and Dumbledore’s encounters. The cast looks energized. Dominic McLaughlin previously shared that wearing the Harry Potter costume felt “surreal” and fulfilled his lifelong dream. That passion shows in these set photos.

Will the HBO Harry Potter Series Ever Match the Original Films?

This is the question every fan secretly asks. Daniel Radcliffe won’t return, and Chris Columbus has expressed skepticism about the remake’s necessity. Yet HBO‘s commitment signals optimism. The costume redesigns prove this isn’t just a shot-for-shot copy. The 8-episode format allows more character development than the compressed films ever could.

The cast looks promising on screen, and the production values appear substantial. Whether McLaughlin becomes iconic as Radcliffe remains uncertain. But HBO is investing seriously in this vision. The network has learned from fantasy television mistakes and successes. This series lands at a moment when streaming audiences hunger for prestige fantasy adaptations. Harry Potter fans haven’t had fresh content in this universe for years. That appetite creates opportunity.

The burning question: Can HBO deliver a Harry Potter story that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers?

Sources

• IGN Entertainment – Set photos and costume design analysis from Ashridge Estate filming
• People Magazine – Cast confirmations and production timeline details from November 2025
• Variety – Complete cast guide and character-by-character breakdowns for the HBO series