HBO’s Harry Potter series transports Hertfordshire town back to the 1980s as Daniel Rigby films scenes as gruff Vernon Dursley (with a very familiar newspaper on the stands!)

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With HBO investing a lot of money in bringing the Harry Potter books to life as a TV series, fans can expect the show to explore unexpected and new directions.

Because the new adaptation will be set during the same time as the original Harry Potter novels, a town in Hertfordshire was made to look like a 1980s town square on Monday, bringing a nostalgic feel to the area.

The town of Hoddesdon, located on the River Lea and 20 miles north of London, was transformed to look like it did in 1981, the time period featured in the book’s opening section.

Actor Daniel Rigby stepped into the past while filming his role as the stern, non-magical Vernon Dursley.

At the start of the story, a businessman, serving as the guardian of his nephew Harry, has a surprising and unwanted meeting with a wizard while walking near the town’s well-known clocktower.

The filmmakers used classic cars and costumed extras to recreate the look of the era, including vintage Silver Cross prams.

A real estate window display highlighted how much prices have increased over the last forty years, showing homes for sale as low as £25,000 – a stark contrast to today’s market.

The newsstand included a nostalgic look back at the era’s big stories, displaying a newspaper with a front-page photo of a smiling Princess Diana after her pregnancy was announced.

The November 1, 1981, issue of The Splash featured a photo of Princess Diana shortly after she announced her pregnancy, and reported that she was receiving congratulations from people all over the world.

A scene shows a bad-tempered Vernon encountering a strange person while walking into town. Vernon is clearly annoyed when the character playfully grabs his nose, causing him to stumble and fall onto the sidewalk.

Bel Powley will play Aunt Petunia, Harry’s often-mistreated aunt, and Amos Kitson will play her son, Dudley.

Production on the series is moving forward quickly at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, and it’s expected to premiere on HBO in 2027.

After a search across the country, Dominic McLaughlin was chosen to play the main character, Harry Potter.

Arabella Stanton will be playing Hermione Granger, Harry’s best friend, and Alastair Stout will star as Ron Weasley.

John Lithgow, 79, will star as Albus Dumbledore, alongside Janet McTeer, 64, as Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu, 35, will play Severus Snape, and Nick Frost, 53, will take on the role of Hagrid.

Everyone is eager to find out who will play Lord Voldemort, a role famously portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, now 62, in the films from 2005 to 2011.

DanielRPK reports that HBO is considering both male and female actors for the role of the iconic character in the upcoming TV series.

Harry Potter hit our screens in November 2001 after author J.K Rowling released seven books.

The Harry Potter series consists of seven books: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The TV series recently announced that a star from the original movie will be returning to reprise their famous role.

Warwick Davis, the British actor, is reprising his role as Professor Filius Flitwick in the upcoming new series. Professor Flitwick is the enthusiastic, though somewhat strict, teacher of Charms.

Oh my gosh, you guys, they *finally* made an announcement for Back to Hogwarts! It’s that amazing day every September 1st where we all celebrate the fact that it’s time to ‘go back to school’ at Hogwarts – it’s HUGE for us fans, honestly! We all just get so excited remembering the magic and everything. It’s the best!

J.K. Rowling’s role as an executive producer has sparked debate among fans due to her publicly stated opinions on transgender people.

The writer of the original fantasy novels the show is adapted from recently shared their enthusiastic reaction to the first two episodes on X. They confirmed they weren’t directly involved in writing them, but collaborated closely with the show’s writers.

She shared that she’s seen the first two episodes of the new Harry Potter series on HBO, and she thought they were fantastic!

HBO had previously issued a statement supporting J.K. Rowling’s involvement, emphasizing their pride in retelling the beloved Harry Potter story – books celebrated for their themes of friendship, courage, and inclusivity.

JK Rowling is entitled to her own opinions. We’re continuing to work on the new series, and her contributions will be valuable to its success.

In April, J.K. Rowling received significant media attention for publicly supporting a Supreme Court decision that clarified the legal definition of gender, specifically stating that transgender women are not legally considered women.

The UK’s highest court ruled unanimously that, according to the 2010 Equality Act, the legal definitions of ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ mean biological sex – a person’s sex at birth – rather than gender identity.

People who believe biological sex is distinct and important celebrated the decision as a significant win. The wealthy author involved stated it would safeguard the rights of women and girls throughout the UK.

J.K. Rowling, said to have financially supported the group behind the recent Supreme Court case on women’s rights, posted a photo of herself on her $150 million yacht, appearing to celebrate with a cigar.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, all 35 or 36 years old and known for their roles in the Harry Potter films, have publicly expressed support for the idea that transgender women (those assigned male at birth) should be recognized as women.

Each of them has spoken out against Rowling’s opinions on this matter, but they also acknowledge and appreciate the impact she’s had on their professional lives.

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2025-09-23 15:49