New Faces for Season 2
HBO has revealed three new additions to the cast of its upcoming 'Harry Potter' television series for the second season. Lenny Rush will take on the role of Dobby the house-elf, Bonnie Hill will portray Ginny Weasley, and Billy Barratt is set to play a young Tom Riddle. Hill steps in for Gracie Cochrane, who had been cast as Ginny for the first season but departed from the project because of circumstances that were not anticipated.[S1]
The first season of the show has already finished production and is scheduled to debut on HBO on December 25. The second season, which will draw from the second novel in J.K. Rowling's fantasy series, is currently in the early stages of production at Leavesden Studios, located outside London.[S1]
The Story So Far
For those unfamiliar with the source material, HBO's official description of the series explains that Harry Potter is told by his aunt that he is nothing special, but everything changes when he receives a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. That invitation opens the door to a world filled with magic, friendship, and adventure, yet also hides dark secrets behind the school's enchanted walls. Harry must find the bravery to prove himself against the most powerful dark wizard of all time.[S1]
Dominic McLaughlin leads the adaptation as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The cast also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, along with many other actors in familiar roles.[S1]
Behind the Scenes
The show draws from Rowling's novels, with Francesca Gardiner as writer and executive producer. Mark Mylod is also an executive producer and will helm multiple episodes. HBO produces the series alongside Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts from Brontë, and David Heyman from Heyday Films all serve as executive producers.[S1]
