HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ facing dilemma as major role to be recast for second series
The new HBO television adaptation of Harry Potter is already facing issues, as a major role is set to be recast ahead of the second series.
The first series, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, has only just finished filming, with the next instalment due to start shooting later in the year.
However, according to Deadline, the part of Ron Weasley’s sister, Ginny Weasley, will need to be recast after the young actor currently playing her, Gracie Cochrane, has unexpectedly been forced to step away from the show.
In a statement, Cochrane and her family said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one.”
They added: “Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience. Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”
To this end, HBO also released a statement confirming the news, saying they were grateful to Cochrane, noting, “We wish Gracie and her family the best.” They have not yet revealed details in regards to who has been recast in the role.
Although the character of Ginny Weasley is relatively minor in the early instalments of the franchise, her significance grows later in the series as she becomes Harry Potter’s love interest.
With the first series set to be broadcast on HBO this Christmas, audiences will see fresh faces stepping into the leading iconic roles, with Dominic McLaughlin playing Harry Potter, Alastair Stout playing Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton playing Hermione Granger.
However, many of the adult cast have faced criticism for taking on the job due to its links to JK Rowling and her views on transgender people. John Lithgow, who is set to play Dumbledore, said earlier this year that he refused to step away from the series, but that the author’s views were “ironic and inexplicable”.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.