Dumbledore Spotted on Cornish Beach as ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Continues Production
Filming for the upcoming Harry Potter television series continues to make waves, this time on the beaches of Cornwall.
John Lithgow, who is taking on the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore, was recently photographed in full wizarding robes, complete with a long white beard, reading his lines as production rolled along the windswept shore.
Lithgow, known for his work in The Crown, Dexter, and Shrek, steps into the headmaster role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
According to reports, crews were filming at Cadgwith on the Lizard between October 6 and 10.
The outlet reported that “the road between Prazegooth Lane and Campion Lane will be closed for filming. The proximity of the road to the beach suggests that the beach may be the location for the filming.”
They added that areas around Kynance Cove, including the cafe and parking spots, were restricted for production purposes.
The new HBO series, developed for HBO by Warner Bros. Television, Brontë Film & TV, and Heyday Films, stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, with Alastair Stout playing Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
The series also features supporting roles from Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost. Principal photography began on July 14, 2025, under the working title Dark Train at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, where the original Harry Potter films were also shot.
A temporary school was built at Leavesden to accommodate up to 600 child actors. Filming also took the crew to locations across the UK, including Île de Sein in Brittany, London Zoo, Borough High Street in Southwark, King’s Cross station, Hoddesdon, and Wardown Park in Luton.
Royal watchers were delighted when William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children visited the Hogsmeade Station set in Windsor Great Park.
Lithgow’s Dumbledore was seen reading lines from cue cards on the Cornish coast, with curious locals watching from nearby cliffs. The beach shoot is part of the first season’s production, which is expected to continue until mid-2026, with work on the second season set to begin shortly afterward.
The series promises to bring a fresh take on J.K. Rowling’s beloved books. As Redanian Intelligence noted, the choice of Kynance Cove as a location adds a dramatic backdrop: “Kynance Cove, a very unique landmark, could be a filming location.”
The combination of rugged coastline and cinematic wizarding visuals has fans excited to see how the series will translate the magic of Hogwarts to the small screen.
This is the first time John Lithgow has portrayed Dumbledore, and fans are eager to see his take on the wise and enigmatic headmaster. Lithgow’s experience in both drama and comedy could bring a new depth to the character, while the UK filming locations provide an authentic feel to the world Rowling created.
From Cornwall to Leavesden and beyond, the production of the Harry Potter HBO series is clearly ambitious, taking advantage of both iconic and new locations. Fans are already sharing photos from set and discussing how the casting and scenery might influence the tone of the series.
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