HBO's Harry Potter Series: A Magical Sneak Peek

Network gives fans an exclusive look at the making of the highly anticipated adaptation

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:34pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, iridescent feathers and shattered glass, conceptually representing the fantastical elements of the Harry Potter wizarding world.HBO's exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the highly anticipated Harry Potter series promises to transport viewers into the magical world of production.NYC Today

HBO is providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production of their upcoming Harry Potter series with a special episode titled 'Finding Harry: The Craft Behind The Magic'. The special promises to take viewers into the creative process, including the extensive search for the young actors to play Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Why it matters

This special episode is a strategic move by HBO to build excitement and engagement around their Harry Potter adaptation. By offering an in-depth exploration of the show's creation, they're giving fans a sense of involvement and investment in the process, inviting viewers into the wizarding world itself.

The details

The special will document the competitive casting process, with 32,000 hopefuls auditioning and production teams reviewing up to 1,000 audition tapes daily to find the right talent. It will also highlight the opportunity to expand upon the source material, with actor John Lithgow (who plays Dumbledore) speaking of the chance to explore the 'things that are going on in the wings but you don't see them'.

  • The special episode 'Finding Harry: The Craft Behind The Magic' will air on HBO on April 15, 2026.

The players

John Lithgow

An American actor who will play the role of Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter series.

Mara LePere-Schloop

The production designer for the Harry Potter series, who emphasizes the team's focus on capturing the 'joy and playfulness' of being a magical kid.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This special episode is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan, as it offers a unique opportunity to connect with the show's creators and understand the thought process behind their interpretations of the beloved stories. It also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and decisions that go into bringing such a massive project to life.