JK Rowling says she’s ‘very involved’ in Harry Potter reboot – UK search for new magical trio ends TONIGHT

The first Harry Potter franchise made international stars of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, and the upcoming HBO series is likely to do the same with three more young actors.

Today is the last day parents can submit audition videos in the UK for the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger – after casting directors extended the deadline.

Meanwhile, JK Rowling confirmed to fans that she is backing a fresh take on the boy wizard, saying she is “very involved” in the series, which looks set to begin filming next spring.

Parents who think they have a promising Harry, Hermione or Ron can still apply today after the deadline was extended to November 8th.

The 59-year-old author has become a controversial figure in recent years over her views on transgender people, causing a rift among the original cast of the hugely successful films.

Earlier this year, Rowling said she would not forgive Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson after they expressed support for transgender people; the writer criticized celebrities who, in her words, “aided a movement that seeks to undermine women’s hard-won rights.”

However, now that a new Harry, Hermione and Ron are being sought, JK Rowling looks set to be just as involved this time around as she was in the eight-film franchise.

On Thursday, one fan asked her if she was in the HBO series, saying, “Hey JK!” What do you think of the new HP series? Are you participating?

There’s still time! The search for the new Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger began several months ago, but was extended, with November 8th being the final day (pictured left: Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe).

‘Very involved’: JK Rowling, who wrote the original Harry Potter books, said the prospect of a new HBO series is ‘wonderful’

The British writer replied: “Very interested and I think it will be wonderful!”

The original films spawned five major Harry Potter theme parks around the world, including in the US, UK, China and Japan, and generated millions in merchandise sales for the British author.

Open casting for the new series was announced in early September, and casting directors later extended the deadline for audition videos until midnight tonight.

Bosses are looking for children who will be between nine and 11 years old in April 2025 and who are residents of the UK or Ireland.

The casting announcement states: “We are committed to inclusive and diverse casting. For each role, please nominate qualified performers regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law, unless specifically stated otherwise.”

The entry requires actors to submit two short self-entries: one consisting of a short poem or story of your choice, but not from Harry Potter.

An open casting call for the series was released in September with full details, explaining that bosses were looking for children who will be between nine and 11 years old in April 2025 and who are UK or Irish residents.

Second, children should prepare a video introducing themselves, including their date of birth, height and location, and describing any family member, friend or pet with whom you are particularly close.

Actors are encouraged to use their own recordings in the feeds: the first video lasts a maximum of 30 seconds, and the second one lasts a maximum of one minute.

Since the casting call didn’t specify what the actors would look like, fans were divided on whether the new HBO show would be too different from the original franchise.

Meanwhile, others want their beloved series to be “left alone” and don’t want a remake at all.

As for X, fans expressed their opinions by writing:

The entry requires actors to submit two short self-entries: one consisting of a short poem or story of your choice, but nothing from Harry Potter.

Since the casting call didn’t specify what the actors would look like, fans were divided on whether the new HBO show would be too different from the original franchise.

Actors are encouraged to use their own resolution in the feeds: the first video lasts a maximum of 30 seconds, and the second lasts a maximum of one minute.

Since the casting call didn’t specify what the actors would look like, fans were divided on whether the new HBO show would be too different from the original franchise.

One wrote: “Oh my god! They’ll ruin everything, won’t they?

“I’m actually very happy about it because there are a lot of things that were cut from the books and I think Harry Potter works better as a series anyway.”

“So stupid. Create something new. O.G., Harry Potter is not worth messing with.”

“What a sad way to ruin such iconic films. Why can’t we leave the good things on the shelves?”

“I’m really excited about it. A story you can watch with your kids and then show them the OG.”

“I’m so excited about it and hope they find a great cast.”

“They really can’t just let good things happen.”

The deadline to apply for the open casting call is October 31, 2024, and you you can do this using this link.

The open casting application deadline is October 31, 2024.

The Cast It website, which has more detailed information, is the only way to apply for the open casting call. Any other website advertising casting calls or charging fees to appear is not endorsed by HBO.

JK Rowling has confirmed that the new Harry Potter series will exceed fans’ “expectations”

Warner Bros, the production company behind the original films, has confirmed that Francesca Gardiner (left) and Mark Mylod (right), who both worked on the acclaimed drama Hereditary, will serve as executive producers on the “faithful adaptation.”

The Cast It website, which has more details, is the only way to apply for the open casting call. Any other website advertising casting calls or charging fees to appear is not endorsed by HBO.

It comes after JK Rowling confirmed the new Harry Potter series will exceed fans’ “expectations”.

Warner Bros, the production company behind the original films, has confirmed that Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, who both worked on the acclaimed drama Hereditary, will executive produce the “faithful adaptation.”

Reacting to the news back in June, executive producer Rowling wrote on X: “I’m thrilled to announce our director and writer, who I interviewed as part of the production team.

“Both have a genuine passion for Harry Potter and, having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I am confident that the TV show will more than live up to expectations.”

Francesca, also known for her work on BBC fantasy His Dark Materials and thriller Killing Eve, will serve as showrunner and writer on the Harry Potter series.

Mark, best known for HBO’s Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will direct several episodes of the series for HBO and Warner Bros. Max.

Warner Bros said: “Each season will introduce Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the heart of the franchise and be available to watch around the world.”