Phoebe Waller-Bridge Reportedly Tapped to Play Petunia Dursley in New ‘Harry Potter’ Series

A live-action ‘Harry Potter’ TV series was first mentioned as being in development for HBO Max in January 2021. However, rights issues with Warner Bros., tied to a deal running until April 2025, delayed progress.

The show was officially confirmed in April 2023 and will stream on Max (formerly HBO Max). In February 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced it would premiere in 2026. Later, in June 2024, the series was moved from Max to HBO.

No official casting has been announced yet. Mark Rylance is reportedly close to signing on as Albus Dumbledore, but no actors have been confirmed. Rumors, like Cillian Murphy playing Lord Voldemort, are untrue and have not been backed by official sources.

Now popular industry insider Daniel Richtman shared on his Patreon that acclaimed actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge has reportedly been offered the role of Petunia Dursley in the highly anticipated ‘Harry Potter’ reboot series. Best known for her work on ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ Waller-Bridge would bring her signature depth and nuance to the character of Harry Potter’s strict and often cruel aunt.

Meanwhile, producers and casting director Lucy Bevan are creating wish lists and checking the schedules of well-known British actors for adult roles, making this one of the most closely watched casting processes ever.

Gardiner and director Mark Mylod confirmed they will follow the characters’ original ages from the books. For example, Snape will be 31, and the Dursleys will be much younger than in the movies.

Rumors about casting include Mark Rylance as Dumbledore, with Mark Strong also considered for the role. Paapa Essiedu is being discussed for Snape. Sharon Horgan has been mentioned for McGonagall, though there are conflicting reports about Rachel Weisz being a contender too. Brett Goldstein is rumored for Hagrid. However, none of these actors have received formal offers yet and HBO is notably tight-lipped about the whole process reports Deadline.

Despite the controversies regarding J.K. Rowling’s involvement with the show, it’s expected that ‘Harry Potter’ show will be one of the most awaited upcoming projects, as all aspects of its production are being closely followed.

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