Harry Potter HBO series' Hagrid casting is not who we expected

The Harry Potter TV series is beginning to take shape at HBO, although many of us remain dubious.

You see, Harry Potter is an iconic film series that remains in the popular consciousness just as much today as it did when the series concluded 13 years ago.

The HBO TV reboot plans to expand upon the film series, dedicating a season to each book, but is the addition of Peeves and Hermione’s S.P.E.W storyline really worth retreading holy ground?

That’s the question many of us have been asking.

In previous reports, I’ve personally expressed concern over how the TV show will establish its own visual identity.

In my head, when I think of the Great Hall or Diagon Alley, I see the iteration brought to life in the film series.

I can’t be the only one who would find it odd to see new interpretations of these locations, but I needn’t totally worry.

The series will reportedly keep the original Great Hall set according to the official Harry Potter blog, instead expanding other elements of Hogwarts.

As for the casting, well, executive producers Mark Mylod and Francesca Gardiner confirmed that they’re looking for “the next generation” of these iconic characters.

Take a look at the original teaser trailer below.

That search is already underway with Paapa Essiedu reportedly set to play Snape - a casting that’s much more in line with Snape’s age in the book series.

As for the lovable groundskeeper Hagrid, that role is reportedly going to Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein according to a report by Deadline.

Of course, until this casting is confirmed by Warner Bros, take this with a pinch of salt, although Deadline is usually pretty on the money.

Goldstein is an interesting choice. Like Essiedu, he’s much younger than his OG film counterpart.

While the OG film series drew on the very best of British acting greats in the casting of its adult characters, HBO’s TV series is seemingly more focused on contemporary British success stories.

As for what we know for certain, season one will span eight hours - whether that translates to eight episodes is unconfirmed - with filming commencing in the UK next year.