The Harry Potter HBO series is being made and we have our first photos from the London Zoo. They are of Harry and the Dursleys in a key scene. This will be in theaters 2027 and J. K. Rowling’s magical world is back with a new cast and a 90s vibe.
The Iconic Zoo Scene Returns
The photos are from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Dudley Dursley’s birthday visit to the London Zoo. In the book and 2001 movie, young Harry doesn’t know he’s a wizard. He goes to the zoo with his horrible aunt Petunia, uncle Vernon and spoiled cousin Dudley. There he accidentally speaks Parseltongue to a Burmese python and it gets out of its cage and makes a mess. The new photos are of the cast shooting at the penguin area in London Zoo. Some of the pictures are probably from the Reptile House like in the first movie.
Eleven year old Dominic McLaughlin who plays Harry is wearing a blue hoodie and big glasses. He has a lightning scar on his forehead so he looks like a young Daniel Radcliffe. The Dursleys are just right: Daniel Rigby is a grumpy Vernon, Bel Powley is a blonde Petunia who looks like the book version and Amos Kitson is a stuck up Dudley in a silly 90s tracksuit. Jason Boyd is Dudley’s friend Piers Polkiss who is up to his usual tricks. The photos show Harry looking uncomfortable and the Dursleys looking unhappy, clearly showing their relationship. In this scene Harry finds out he’s a wizard for the first time. It’s the start of his adventure to Hogwarts and will bring back memories for fans.
A Faithful ‘90s Vibe
What really stands out in these photos is the 90s style. Rowling’s books are set in the early 90s but the first films have a timeless feel. The HBO series is going for accuracy to the time period and the Dursleys’ clothes are very much late 80s to early 90s. Dudley’s shell suit and Petunia’s blonde haircut with sunglasses look like they’re straight out of a 90s family album. Harry’s old hoodie looks very different to Dudley’s bright clothes so it’s clear Harry doesn’t fit in. Fans are loving this attention to detail which is helping to set the story in its original time period.
They are filming the new Harry Potter series at London Zoo which is a nice nod to the 2001 film. It brings back more memories doesn’t it?
Set photos are already looking very fun. You can see the cast driving around on golf buggies and everyone seems to be having a blast. McLaughlin is said to be “beaming” between takes.
Filming is happening now at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and they are going all in. They are even building Privet Drive from the ground up so you can tell this is going to be a visually stunning adaptation. With showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod at the helm the aim is to stay true to J. K. Rowling’s work. Rowling’s books are still talked about a lot even with everything she has said in public.
Why This Matters
These sneak peek photos do more than just give a glimpse; they show HBO’s desire to respect the Harry Potter legacy while creating something new. That zoo scene is a great way to introduce the characters and set the tone, mixing the Muggle world with the first hints of magic. And the cast? Amazing! We have John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid and Janet McTeer as McGonagall. That level of talent makes the project stronger. Seven seasons and will go deeper into the books. Six episodes in 2027. This first look shows the reboot really wants to capture the magic and that 90s vibe of Harry’s world.
