By The first episode of HBO‘s Harry Potter series doesn’t apparate onto televisions until December 25, but Season 2 of the anticipated adaptation is already weaving its spell over Hollywood. Today, we learned that Billy Barratt, who holds the record as the youngest International Emmy winner, will play young Voldemort, Tom Riddle, in HBO’s more “book accurate” version of the generation-spanning tale. Additionally, Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable?) will play the loyal, sock-enthusiast house-elf Dobby, while Bonnie Hill (Girl Troop versus Aliens) takes over the role of Ginny Weasley following Gracie Cochrane’s exit.
Age-Appropriate Casting for Riddle and Dobby
Barratt’s casting aligns with HBO’s strategy of hiring age-appropriate actors for pivotal roles. Barratt is 19 years old, matching Tom Riddle’s book age of 16 far more closely than Christian Coulson, who was 23 when cast in the 2002 film. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old Rush takes on Dobby, a character previously CGI-generated and voiced by Toby Jones (then in his mid-30s). HBO has not yet confirmed whether Dobby will feature practical prosthetics, motion capture, or full CGI.
Ginny Weasley and the Diary’s Shadow
Hill’s addition as Ginny marks a key setup for Season 2, where her role expands significantly. In Chamber of Secrets, Ginny’s path crosses with Riddle after she discovers his magical diary, initiating a bond with Harry that eventually evolves into something deeper.
Behind the scenes, Season 2 brings a key leadership update: writer Jon Brown has been promoted to co-showrunner alongside Francesca Gardiner to help manage the series’ demanding, overlapping production schedules.
Meet the Full Season 1 Ensemble
The Lead Trio: Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley)
Hogwarts Faculty & Allies: John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid), Luke Thallon (Quirinus Quirrell), Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch), Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick)
Students & Families: Lox Pratt (Draco Malfoy), Johnny Flynn (Lucius Malfoy), Bel Powley (Petunia Dursley), Daniel Rigby (Vernon Dursley), Katherine Parkinson (Molly Weasley), Bertie Carvel (Cornelius Fudge)
The eight-episode first season, adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, premieres December 25, 2026, on HBO and Max, launching a planned seven-season adaptation.
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