J.K. Rowling has officially launched an open casting call for the highly anticipated TV series adaptation of the Harry Potter franchise. This new adaptation, set to be a comprehensive retelling of the beloved book series, is seeking young actors from the United Kingdom and Ireland for the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. The casting call targets children aged 9 to 11, reflecting the age of the characters at the beginning of the series.
The announcement was shared through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), where Rowling highlighted the commitment to inclusive and diverse casting practices. The casting call emphasizes that all qualified performers are encouraged to apply, with no consideration of ethnicity, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Interested actors are required to submit two separate self-tapes. The first self-tape should feature a short poem or story of the actor’s choice, excluding any material from the Harry Potter universe. This can be from a favorite book, a cherished poem, a monologue from a play, or an original piece created by the applicant. The performance should be no longer than 30 seconds, and actors are encouraged to use their own accents.
The second self-tape is a one-minute video where applicants introduce themselves. This video should include personal details such as their date of birth, height, and place of residence. Additionally, applicants should describe a family member, friend, or pet they are particularly close to. As with the first tape, this video should also be performed in the applicant’s own accent.
The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2024. Filming for the series is projected to begin in the UK between 2025 and 2026. Although an exact release date has not been confirmed, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has indicated that the series is targeting a debut in 2026. The TV adaptation is planned to span seven seasons, each one dedicated to adapting one of the books from J.K. Rowling’s highly successful Harry Potter series, offering a fresh and detailed exploration of the original storylines.
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