HBO’s Harry Potter series appears more faithful to the books than the films

HBO’s series adaptation is currently one of the most anticipated projects among Harry Potter fans. The plan is to adapt all seven books – each with its own dedicated season. This format alone suggests that significantly more material from the original story will make it to the screen. There are also growing indications that the HBO production may adhere even more closely to the books than the earlier Warner Bros. films.

Officially confirmed cast members include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as young Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, while Nick Frost will take on the role of Rubeus Hagrid. According to reports from Redanian Intelligence, several supporting roles have also been cast, offering intriguing hints about the direction the series may take. However, HBO has not yet officially confirmed these names. One example is Naomi Wirthner, who is reportedly set to play Madam Malkin, the owner of the robe shop in Diagon Alley. In the book, Harry meets Draco Malfoy there for the first time – a scene that was omitted from the film adaptation. Wirthner previously appeared in Slow Horses. Interestingly, her son Frank Dillane portrayed the young Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Neil Edmond is also said to be part of the cast, reportedly playing a hotel manager at the Railview Hotel, where the Dursleys hide from the deluge of Hogwarts letters in the first book. This scene did not appear in the film adaptation. It would hardly be surprising if the series were to restore moments like this, even if they are not essential to the overall plot. More intriguing, however, is the reported casting of Louis Shelton as an older version of Ron Weasley. In the first novel, an older Ron appears in the Mirror of Erised scene, where he sees himself as Head Boy, Quidditch captain, and House Cup winner. The book clearly describes him as older in this vision, whereas the Warner Bros. film adaptation kept him the same age. If HBO has indeed cast a separate actor for this brief moment, it would suggest a strong commitment to staying faithful to the source material.