Good news arrives for Harry Potter enthusiasts worldwide as filming has commenced for the television series in London, marking the franchise's return to screens nearly 15 years after the final movie installment. Users on social media platforms shared videos showing the iconic characters Harry Potter and Hagrid walking through London's bustling streets while traffic came to a complete halt for production crews.
The television series will chronicle the adventures of beloved characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione during their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, focusing on the core storyline that originally captivated global audiences. This approach represents a significant departure from recent franchise extensions such as "Fantastic Beasts," which explored the wizarding world's earlier timeline rather than the central narrative that made J.K. Rowling's creation a worldwide phenomenon.
Production activity throughout London created extraordinary scenes as city traffic stopped to accommodate filming requirements, generating widespread social media coverage that amplified fan anticipation for the upcoming series. The street filming sessions provided fans with their first glimpse of the television adaptation that promises to return directly to the source material's rich storytelling foundation.
Harry Potter show films in London as Nick Frost becomes Hagrid with clever trick pic.twitter.com/BVwUiX5gmy
— The Sun (@TheSun) August 18, 2025
Actor Nick Frost, cast as Hagrid, appeared dramatically larger than lead child actor Dominic McLaughlin, cast as Harry, during the recent filming for HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, as per the iconic scenes of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Frost's transformation included body doubles and facial prosthetics to create the beloved character's massive frame, according to the Daily Mail. Scottish McLaughlin, age 11, portrayed the iconic Harry Potter protagonist while wearing the character's signature glasses and a 90s-style blue, green, and yellow rain jacket. The young performer completed his look with wide-leg jeans and a backpack as he walked alongside Nick Frost's towering Hagrid character.
Nick Frost, the 53-year-old Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead star, wore long curly hair and a matching beard for his transformation into the beloved groundskeeper role originally played by Robbie Coltrane during the Borough High Street filming near London Bridge.
Filming for the HBO program, first announced in April 2023, reached a major milestone in May when the three lead child stars were finally revealed after months of speculation. Dominic McLaughlin secured the protagonist role, while Arabella Stanton will portray Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout takes on Ron Weasley.
Dominic McLaughlin (Harry) with Nick Frost's body double (Hagrid) filming the HARRY POTTER TV series pic.twitter.com/QKYJ6kypst
— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) August 18, 2025
The filming created significant traffic disruption throughout the capital as cast members were photographed outside various London establishments. TikTok users shared footage of the production, writing commentary about Hagrid's scenes being filmed at locations representing the iconic Leaky Cauldron pub.
Harry and Hagrid have been spotted 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4q5KncyAFm
— Daily Harry Potter (@TheDailyHPotter) August 18, 2025
The initial glimpses have created division among dedicated Harry Potter fans who flooded social media platforms with mixed reactions. Critics expressed skepticism about adapting the beloved franchise, with one user writing, "Why ruin something good?" referring to the original movie adaptation. Others voiced reluctant interest, stating "I know it's going to be bad, but I'll watch it" and "Harry Potter is amazing and loved by all ages. The movies are absolutely timeless. This series... just not needed in my opinion!"
Supporters welcomed the new adaptation and casting choices. "New Harry is exactly what my mind created when I first read the book," one fan commented, while additional positive responses included "This looks great!" and "This looks good, so maybe it might work after all."
