AceShowbiz - HBO's "Harry Potter" series is gearing up for production, with the start of filming scheduled for mid-summer 2025. During a slate presentation, the show's creative team revealed that an astounding 32,000 children auditioned for the lead roles, including Harry Potter himself. The producers plan to meticulously review every audition, with a team viewing between 500-1,000 tapes per day.

Casting has yet to be finalized, but the search has narrowed down to a shortlist. In January, the team will workshop with the top candidates to determine the perfect fit for the iconic characters.

According to director Mark Mylod, the series will focus on the "cream of British acting talent," continuing the tradition of casting brilliant theater actors. The showrunner, Francesca Gardiner, emphasized that they will adhere to the canonical ages of the characters, including Severus Snape (31) and Lily and James Potter (21).

While Snape's casting remains a prominent question, Mylod noted that they aim to find "the next Alan Rickman" to carry the legacy of the beloved character. Paapa Essiedu has been reported as a potential contender for the role.

The series is set to explore new areas of Hogwarts and delve deeper into the characters' arcs, including the lives of the staff. Mylod explained that they don't intend to undo the success of the films but rather evolve the story and present it in a fresh, serialized format.

Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding author J.K. Rowling, HBO chief Casey Bloys expressed confidence in her involvement, stating that consumer response is not a concern.

The series will feature an entirely new cast, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved characters and introducing fans to a new generation of Hogwarts students. Filming will take place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where the original films were created.