HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot Eyes Original Film Star for Fan-Favorite Slytherin Role

HBO's Harry Potter reboot is finally moving from rumor mill to real thing, and the strategy looks pretty clear: mix some new blood with a few familiar faces, shoot where the movies were made, and lean into the classic look. Here is where things stand.

Bill Nighy may trade Rufus Scrimgeour for Horace Slughorn

File this under very intriguing: Bill Nighy, who played Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour in the original films, is reportedly in the frame to play Professor Horace Slughorn in the new series. The Sun says he has already done early screen tests and is close to a deal. Grain of salt, because tabloid, but it is the kind of swing that makes sense once you look closer.

Nighy just voiced Slughorn in the Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Edition project and talked about how much he enjoys stepping into academic roles.

"I am always grateful when asked to play academics."

That little bit of casting deja vu would fit the show's apparent plan: bring in new actors, but anchor the world with people fans already trust.

Warwick Davis is officially back as Professor Flitwick

This one is not a rumor. Deadline confirmed that Warwick Davis is returning as Professor Filius Flitwick, making him the first actor from the original films publicly locked for the reboot. Davis introduced Flitwick all the way back in the first movie and played him through all eight, so this is a smart early move if HBO wants to signal continuity. It says: yes, we are restarting the story, but we are not tossing out what made Hogwarts feel like Hogwarts.

Production is rolling at Leavesden, with familiar sets and UK locations

Cameras are up at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK — the same complex where all eight movies were shot. That is not a cosmetic choice. Leavesden still keeps a lot of the franchise's bones intact: the Great Hall, those moving staircases, and the Hogsmeade village facade among them. Starting here means the new show can hit the ground running with the exact visual DNA fans expect, rather than rebuilding Hogwarts from scratch on a new lot.

Outside the stages, a recent social post flagged the Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire as a current filming spot, which tracks with the movies' habit of pairing Leavesden soundstages with real English countryside.

The production has been saying the series will "stay true to the books," and the release window being floated is 2027. Between the locations and the early casting signals, the goal looks like a faithful, long-form retelling that still tips its hat to the film era.

• Bill Nighy is reportedly in talks to play Horace Slughorn after early screen tests, per The Sun; he recently voiced Slughorn for the Full-Cast Audio Edition and said he is "grateful" to play academics.
• Warwick Davis is confirmed via Deadline to return as Professor Filius Flitwick, the first original-films actor officially back for the reboot.
• Filming is underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, home base for all eight original movies; sets like the Great Hall, moving staircases, and the Hogsmeade facade remain in play.
• Location work has been spotted at Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire.
• The show is targeting a 2027 debut and is positioning itself to "stay true to the books."
• If you want a refresher, all eight original Harry Potter films are currently streaming on Peacock.

Curious what you think of Nighy stepping into Slughorn — inspired choice or too weird seeing Scrimgeour swap departments? Either way, with Davis back and Leavesden lit, this thing is very real and moving.