HBO surprises fans with actors for Voldemort, Dobby and Ginny in Harry Potter’s second season

The casting choice attracting the most attention is Lenny Rush as Dobby, one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series. The British actor will bring the house-elf to a new generation of viewers after Toby Jones voiced Dobby in the film adaptations.

HBO also confirmed Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley’s younger sister. Hill takes over the role after Gracie Cochrane left the project because of what was described as unforeseen circumstances. In an official statement, Cochrane thanked the production team for an unforgettable experience and said she was looking forward to new professional challenges.

Billy Barratt will play the young Tom Riddle, the future Lord Voldemort. Barratt, known as the youngest recipient of an International Emmy, becomes the first actor cast in one of the major villain roles in the new adaptation.

The first season, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is due to premiere at Christmas 2026. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Johnny Flynn will play Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Lucius Malfoy.

The second-season casting has drawn attention because Dobby, Tom Riddle and Ginny are central to the mystery in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The television format is intended to provide a more faithful adaptation of J. K. Rowling’s books, with more room for characters and events that the films had to condense. The new cast will also face comparisons with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, while the franchise continues to be affected by controversy surrounding Rowling’s statements about transgender people.

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Thank you to the production team for an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to new professional challenges.