HBO is looking for the next generation of boy wizard, muggle-born witch, and pureblood wizard. The network has launched open auditions for child actors to play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in an upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling book series. Auditions started yesterday and will accept video submissions through October 31st.
The casting call is seeking kids between 9 and 11 years old as of April 2025. This suggests filming may begin around that time, similar to when Daniel Radcliffe was chosen at age 11 to play Harry Potter in the original movies. Auditions are only open to people living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where the characters were created.
Inclusiveness is important to the network. The application says “We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting…without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected group.” This aligns with recent inclusive versions of Harry Potter, like the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” which had a Black actress as Hermione.
Kids wanting a role should submit two videos. The first asks them to recite a short story or poem that’s not from Harry Potter, lasting 30 seconds maximum. The second, up to one minute, invites them to introduce themselves and share a memory with family or friends. Auditions will start with reviewing these self-taped videos.
The upcoming television series has experienced producers. Mark Mylod will direct, and “Succession” writer Francesca Gardiner takes the lead as showrunner. They hope to bring JK Rowling’s magical world to the screen in a faithful way for HBO viewers. If all goes to plan, the show may debut in late 2026 after filming in the UK during 2025-2026. Warner Bros. Television and Rowling’s own production company are jointly producing the anticipated series.
As young hopefuls prepare their video auditions ahead of the deadline, they surely dream of escaping into the fantasy realm that has enthralled readers worldwide for over 20 years within the iconic walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
