Just before the end of this year, Warner Bros. will bring back the Harry Potter story with a serialized reboot on HBO. Officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (using the title from the British version of the first book), the show will start off with Harry’s introduction to the wizarding world, bringing in an entirely new cast to play the world-famous magical characters. Following in Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson’s footsteps, the young trio of Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Ariana Stanton will now lead the story as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively.
Similar to the title change, HBO’s Harry Potter show is expected to bring in numerous plotlines from the books that did not make it into the movies in the early 2000s. From specific characters to story details, the show will be able to more fully explore everything that happened in J.K. Rowling’s novels, with about eight hours of potential runtime rather than two and a half. The latest update for the show is already following through on that promise, bringing in a character who has never been depicted in live-action before.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. and HBO have cast Peter Serafinowicz in the role of Peeves the Poltergeist in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. While Peeves was a notable supporting character in all seven original Harry Potter books, he was never utilized in the eight live-action movies released between 2001 and 2011. At the start of the story, Peeves has already been at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for about 1000 years, and is known for his penchant for causing mischief and chaos all over the school.
Serafinowicz already has a few major blockbusters on his resume, including John Wick: Chapter 2 (Sommelier), the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (Spitelout), and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (voice of Darth Maul). He also played a supporting role for Marvel Studios in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy as Garthan Saal, who opposed and imprisoned the Guardians before helping them save Xandar in the final battle.
The latest Harry Potter actor will have a chance to explore something completely new as Peeves, who serves as a major nuisance to the Hogwarts students and staff, especially Argus Filch. He is best known for practical jokes, throwing things, and getting students in trouble with their teachers. While it is still unclear how big his role will be, his inclusion in any capacity will add a new dynamic to the story that was missing from the original eight films.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will premiere on HBO on Dec. 25, 2026.
Release Date
2026 – 2026
Showrunner
Francisca Gardiner
Directors
Mark Mylod