New Harry Potter TV Series Set Photos Tease Book-Accurate Season 1 Ending

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The show is increasingly staying true to the source material. Recent on-set pictures hint at a change from how the story was portrayed in the movies.

The first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released in 2001), concludes with Harry, Ron, and Hermione boarding the Hogwarts Express, and Harry famously stating he doesn’t feel like he’s truly going home. But recent photos from the set suggest the upcoming series will revisit and alter that ending.

Harry Potter Season 1 Is Changing the Film’s Ending

Recent photos and videos shared by Harry Potter fan accounts suggest filming is nearing completion. One video was captured on location at Waterloo station in London. The images feature cast members including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley.

Behind-the-scenes photos suggest the show will reveal the outcome of the students’ final exams. In the book, after Harry’s confrontation with Voldemort and his defeat of Professor Quirrell, the students receive their exam results and all pass, with Hermione achieving the highest scores. Hagrid then accompanies them to the Hogwarts Express, and a wizard assists them in navigating the magical barrier to return to King’s Cross.

It was such a relief to see Mrs. Weasley waiting for us when we arrived back in the Muggle world, and Ginny was there too, though you can’t see her in the pictures – Gracie Cochrane played her, of course! I remember Harry thanking Mrs. Weasley for the lovely sweater she sent at Christmas, and Ron, being Ron, immediately invited Harry and Hermione to spend the summer with them. Unfortunately, Vernon was waiting for Harry as well, and they all had to head home together.

I’m noticing the show is taking a similar approach, but what’s really neat is they’ve included Fred, George, and even Percy. It totally tracks, though, since they all travel home as a family unit.

So, I’ve been following the news about the Harry Potter series on Max, and Wizarding World Direct reported that John Hopkins – you might recognize him from Poldark – is joining the cast. Apparently, he was spotted on set, and the buzz is he’s going to play Hermione Granger’s dad! It’s just a rumor for now, but it’s exciting stuff if true.

Who Else Is Left to Be Cast?

The new Harry Potter series has announced most of its main actors for the first book, and even some characters who aren’t introduced until later, including Cornelius Fudge (played by Bertie Carvel). More casting announcements are still to come.

Arthur Weasley is a particularly popular character fans are excited to see cast. There’s also a lot of discussion about who will play Lord Voldemort, with Cillian Murphy and Matthew Macfadyen frequently mentioned as potential choices.

Despite previous denials from other actors about joining the series, Andy Serkis, known for playing Gollum, has expressed interest in the role of the dark wizard. He stated he’s eager to receive the offer, calling it a “cool one.” Serkis also acknowledged that Ralph Fiennes would be a difficult act to follow.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres on HBO Max on Dec. 25.

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2026-05-04 21:14