The HBO Original Harry Potter series officially began production on July 14, 2025. This milestone was marked by a photo of Dominic McLaughlin portraying Harry Potter, holding a clapperboard labeled Episode 101 (indicating Season 1, Episode 1). Mark Mylod is directing the first episode, and Adriano Goldman is the Director of Photography.
Taking a look at Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, we see that the scar is placed to the very right of his forehead. He has the bushy brown hair and round glasses that Harry is known for. The Gryffindor robes are similar to those worn in the original films, albeit with a slight variation in the design.
According to Wizarding World Direct, the first scene they filmed was the potions class with Severus Snape. However, this should be taken with a grain of salt, as the source comes from insiders on Reddit.
HBO has released an image of Nick Frost on set as the half-giant Hagrid.
Jenny's Burger in Hayes was closed for seven days to film a scene for the new series. The announcement states that parking around the restaurant had to be closed because a rain-making machine was to be used in front of it. It is not confirmed what scene they were filming at this location, but it is likely the one where Hagrid drops Harry off at Paddington Station to catch the train back to the Dursleys. This is where Hagrid gives Harry his ticket for the Hogwarts Express and buys him a hamburger.
Leaked set photos indicate that filming has taken place at the London Zoo. In these images, Dominic McLaughlin, as Harry Potter, is seen wearing an oversized sports jumper.
Vernon (Daniel Rigby) and Petunia Dursley (Bel Powley) were also spotted on set. Vernon is seen with his large moustache, dark hair and he is wearing 90s-style glasses and t-shirt. Vernon is depicted with his large moustache, dark hair, and wearing 90s-style glasses and a t-shirt. Petunia has book-accurate blonde hair, achieved by dyeing Bel Powley's natural brown hair.
Dudley Dursley (Amos Kitson) is shown making a grimace or pig face and is accompanied by his friend, Piers Polkiss (Mickey McAnulty), at the zoo. This character was not included in the original movies but is part of this scene in the book.
Additional photos of costumes and sets from the London Zoo suggest that the series is set in the 1990s, coinciding with the first book, which takes place in 1991.
They also filmed a scene where the Dursleys bought ice-cream for Dudley and Piers, and where they were forced to buy Harry one as well after the ice-cream seller asked him what he wanted before Vernon could hurry him away.
Dominic McLauglin and Nick Frost’s body double was seen at Embankment Station. Probably filming Harry and Hagrid going to Diagon Alley by taking the underground.
On Perryn Road, 90s cars were set up to film a scene where a confused milkman delivers eggs to Petunia through a window, after Vernon boarded up the cracks around the house’s front and back doors.
The HBO series has filmed scenes at John F Kennedy Catholic School in Hemel Hempstead. The rumour is that this is Harry’s muggle school when he lived with the Dursleys.
As more details and sneak peeks emerge, it's clear that the journey back to Hogwarts is well underway, and it is exciting to see what awaits. Stay tuned for more updates as the series develops!