First Set Photos Emerge From HBO's Harry Potter TV Series Filming
The internet has been buzzing with the first leaked images from HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation, offering fans their first glimpse of the young cast portraying Harry Potter and the notoriously unpleasant Dursley family.
Reliving a Magical Moment
Filming occurred this week at London Zoo, recreating one of the iconic scenes from J.K. Rowling's first book where young Harry (played by newcomer Dominic McLaughlin) inadvertently demonstrates his magical abilities by freeing a python from its enclosure - much to the distress of his bullying cousin Dudley.
The revealing images showcase Dudley Dursley (Amos Kitson), Aunt Petunia (Bel Powley) and Uncle Vernon (Daniel Rigby) in full 1990s period costume. The costume designers have perfectly captured the family's dated aesthetic - Dudley sports an authentic shellsuit while Vernon wears thick-framed glasses and a bushy moustache reminiscent of his book description.
A Perfect Period Piece
The show's producers have clearly prioritized authenticity, with the costumes accurately reflecting the books' original 1991 setting - mere months before Harry would receive his Hogwarts letter and learn of his magical heritage.
While the original Harry Potter book series launched in 1997, the story's timeline begins earlier, concluding in 1998 before jumping forward nineteen years in its epilogue.
London Zoo visitors received an unexpected treat this week as they witnessed filming taking place among the exhibits. This public location shoot marks one of few exterior scenes planned for the first season, with Warner Bros.' Leavesden Studios serving as the primary filming location.
The production's scale becomes increasingly apparent as reports confirm construction of an on-site school facility capable of housing up to 600 young actors - demonstrating HBO's long-term commitment to this ambitious adaptation.
FIRST LOOK AT THE DURSLEYS pic.twitter.com/1mIHKsJv5P
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) July 17, 2025
The Wizarding World Returns
Warner Bros. and HBO have mapped out an extensive production schedule aiming to adapt each book as a standalone season over the next decade, with the premiere slated for 2027.
The official production launch was marked by HBO releasing Dominic McLaughlin's debut image as Harry in Hogwarts robes, swiftly followed by Nick Frost's first appearance as the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.
While several major casting announcements have been made - including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape - fans eagerly await their first glimpses of these iconic characters brought to life by the stellar supporting cast.
