The wizarding world is slowly coming back to life, brick by brick as newly surfaced set photos from HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series have offered fans their clearest glimpse yet of one of the franchise’s most iconic locations: Diagon Alley. Images shared online show a recreation of the iconic shopping street, with everything you may expect from the books: crooked storefronts, alleys and the unmistakable presence of the Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
For longtime fans, the sight instantly recalls the moment young Harry first stepped into the wizarding world, wide-eyed and overwhelmed by a place where owls flutter overhead and shop windows glitter with enchanted objects.
The photos were spotted through aerial images of the studio’s backlot seen through Apple Maps, offering a bird’s-eye view of the detailed set that is currently being constructed for the series. As we know, the location has great purpose as it’s the background to a lot of iconic shows in the series, but especially the moment where young Harry gets his first proper glimpse of the magical world.
With sets like Diagon Alley already taking form, the magic is clearly returning. HBO’s Harry Potter series is currently expected to debut in 2027.
More details about HBO’s Harry Potter
The wizarding world is preparing for a return, and this time we will see it on a scale designed to stretch across an entire decade. HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series is set to reintroduce audiences to the beloved story of the Boy Who Lived through a long-form adaptation that promises to explore the books with far greater depth than the original films ever could.
Star of the show is newcomer Dominic McLaughlin, who will be playing Harry Potter. Joining him are Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. They are stepping into the shoes once worn by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.
The halls of Hogwarts will also welcome a lineup of veteran actors portraying some of the wizarding world’s most iconic professors and other characters. John Lithgow takes on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer plays Professor Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu will play Potions master Severus Snape, and Nick Frost steps into the massive boots of Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
The series is led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner with director Mark Mylod also working on several episodes.
The Harry Potter series will premiere in 2027.
Edited by Nibir Konwar