In a dramatic turn of events, the beloved Harry Potter franchise is set to be reimagined for television, leaving its original stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, feeling sidelined. As HBO gears up for the anticipated release of the new series in 2026, the original trio has expressed their dismay at being kept in the dark about the project, which will feature a fresh cast and an updated approach to J.K. Rowling's iconic stories.
Rupert Grint, now 36, fondly recalls his time on the Harry Potter set, where he portrayed Ron Weasley. During a 2014 encounter with journalist Grant Tucker, Grint shared anecdotes from his childhood fame, revealing he had purchased an ice cream van with his earnings from the franchise. He also recounted serving Dame Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall, a Mr Whippy ice cream on the last day of filming. Fast forward to 2022, and Grint expressed excitement about introducing his daughter, Wednesday, to the Harry Potter universe, saying, "I’ve shown her clips just to see if she’d pick me out. And she does, she completely knows it’s me instantly." However, he also voiced concerns about the potential for a film remake, admitting, "I often have this thought that they’re gonna remake them: start again and do a complete remake, and that does scare me. I don’t think I’d handle that well."
Despite their deep ties to the franchise, Grint, Radcliffe, and Watson were reportedly unaware of the remake until recent announcements. HBO has confirmed the first major cast members for the new adaptation, which is set to begin filming this summer at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire. The original actors will learn who will portray their iconic characters only through an official announcement, following an exhaustive audition process that sifted through 32,000 tapes. An insider lamented, "It’s heartbreaking for the three of them. Their childhoods were devoted to creating Harry Potter, and it held such a special place in all their lives."
The new series will see J.K. Rowling serving as an executive producer, with HBO stating she has been heavily involved in ensuring a faithful adaptation of her seven books. However, the relationship between Rowling and her former stars has soured in recent years, particularly following her controversial views on gender identity. In 2020, Rowling published a lengthy essay outlining her beliefs, which sparked backlash from Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint.
Radcliffe was particularly vocal, stating, "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people." Watson echoed his sentiments, tweeting, "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are." Grint also expressed his support for the trans community, declaring, "Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment." In contrast, Rowling has maintained her stance, suggesting that "there are no trans kids" and misgendering trans individuals.
In a recent social media post, Rowling appeared to take a jab at her former stars when responding to a question about actors who ruin movies, stating, "Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible," followed by laughing emojis. This comment further underscores the rift between Rowling and the original cast, particularly as they navigate their own careers while distancing themselves from her views.
The HBO series, expected to air in 2026, marks a significant moment in the franchise's history, occurring 25 years after the first film debuted. The new adaptation has already stirred controversy over its casting decisions. John Lithgow has been announced as Albus Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape. Other notable cast members include Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. However, these choices have drawn criticism from fans, particularly regarding the casting of an American actor as Dumbledore and a black actor as Snape, who is described as "marble white" in the original books.
As the franchise prepares for its new chapter, the original trio's absence from the upcoming premiere raises questions about their legacy and the future of the Harry Potter brand. With Rowling's involvement and the fresh casting, the series aims to capture a new generation of fans while navigating the complex landscape of contemporary social issues.
In the meantime, the original stars have forged their own paths in the industry, with Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint each taking on diverse roles that reflect their growth beyond the Harry Potter universe. Radcliffe has become an advocate for trans rights, while Watson continues to champion social justice causes. Grint, for his part, has expressed gratitude for Rowling, likening her to an "auntie" while acknowledging their differing views.
As the launch of the HBO series draws closer, it remains to be seen how the new adaptation will be received by both fans and critics alike. The legacy of the original Harry Potter films, combined with the ongoing discourse surrounding Rowling's views, sets the stage for a complex and potentially contentious reception. While the new series aims to breathe fresh life into the beloved stories, the shadow of the original cast and their experiences with Rowling's evolving narrative will undoubtedly linger.
