A $1.2 Billion Mini-City Is Being Built for the Harry Potter TV Series

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As the search for the new Harry, Hermione, and Ron continues, Warner Bros. is going all-in on set construction for its upcoming HBO Max Harry Potter TV series — and it’s not holding back. According to reports from Collider, the studio is currently building a massive, fully functional “mini-city” at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, UK. This isn’t just another film lot — this is a sprawling production hub designed to bring the Wizarding World to life like never before.

The entire project is expected to cost around $1.25 billion , making it one of the most expensive television productions ever greenlit. The mini-city will feature everything from full-scale sets (including an updated Privet Drive) to parking structures, support buildings for equipment and staff, animal housing, a medical center, and even a dedicated school for young actors involved in the show. Yes, you read that right — there will be an actual functioning school where child performers can study between takes.

While no official images have been released by the studio yet, The Sun managed to get their hands on some exclusive visuals — and they reveal that the Dursleys’ home will be built in classic Tudor style. That means half-timbered beams, steeply pitched roofs, and that unmistakable suburban British charm that makes Privet Drive so perfectly ordinary — and utterly unmagical.

Casting Choices and Controversies

Fans already got a taste of what’s to come when Warner Bros. and HBO revealed part of the adult cast lineup. Among them are Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape — a decision that sparked immediate backlash online — Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Toulon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Interestingly, Whitehouse previously appeared in the original movie series in a minor role.

One of the more intriguing creative decisions is how the adult characters will be portrayed younger than they were in the original films. This move, reportedly done to stay faithful to J.K. Rowling’s canon, means we’ll see a much younger Snape — who was only 31 in the first book — and the Dursley family with a fresher, more period-appropriate look.

On the casting front, over 32,000 young actors have reportedly auditioned for the lead roles. While nothing has been officially confirmed, rumors suggest that the core trio may already be chosen and could be announced soon.

A Decade-Long Magical Journey

This isn’t just another reboot or short-lived spin-off — the Harry Potter TV series is shaping up to be a ten-year production , with seven full seasons planned. If all goes according to schedule, the premiere episode should arrive sometime in 2027 , giving fans plenty of time to speculate, debate, and dream about how the next chapter of the Wizarding World will unfold.

Directing duties include none other than Mark Mylod (known for his work on Game of Thrones ) who will helm several episodes, while screenwriter Francesca Gardiner is leading the writing team. And yes, J.K. Rowling is attached to the project as an executive producer — a detail that continues to stir controversy, especially after The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal publicly called for a boycott due to Rowling’s stance on transgender issues.

Meanwhile, fan-favorite actors from the original films are still hoping to return in new roles. Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black, has expressed interest in portraying Headmaster of Hogwarts, while Ralph Fiennes — who famously played Voldemort — suggested that Cillian Murphy might make a great young Dark Lord. Ironically, Fiennes himself has already found a new villainous role: he’ll play President Snow in the prequel series to The Hunger Games .

With sets being built, scripts being written, and casting nearly complete, the Harry Potter TV series is finally starting to feel real. Whether you’re excited or skeptical, one thing’s certain — this magical world is about to get bigger than ever.

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