HBO is set to launch a rebooted version of the Harry Potter series but this time with a more diverse cast. As reported by Variety, a poster appealing for budding actors and actresses has been released by the studio. Children between the ages of 9 and 11 are being sought to play the young wizards — Harry, Hermoine, Ron and others. 

“We are currently only able to consider children who are aged 9-11 in April 2025, and a resident of the U.K. or Ireland,” the notice read. “Please only apply if you meet the brief.” The notice further specified that they are open to cast actors irrespective of their race, ethnicity, gender identity and more. “We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” the notice added. 

The applicants are asked to send a 30 second recorded video of them reciting a poem or short story irrelevant to Harry Potter with specific instruction to use their own accent. Apart from that the applicants are asked to record a one minute video talking about themselves. 

The second part of the audition clip must include “date of birth, height and where you live” along with a description of any family member, pet or friend that the candidate is particularly close to. The series will be a rebooted version of the film series adapted from J. K. Rowling’s books which first released 2001 and brought actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to stardom for their portrayals of Harry, Ron and Hermoine, respectively. 

The news of the rebooted series was first reported in April 2023 and was later confirmed by HBO and Max CEO and chairman Casey Bloys in a statement release. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World,” he said. The new Max Original series, created in partnership with  Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling will delve deeper into the “iconic” books which are still beloved by fans around the world.

Trigger Warning: This articles contains mention of death

James Earl Jones passed away at the 93 after leaving his mark in the Hollywood industry with brilliant performances. The actor gave his breakthrough performance in Star Wars and had been popular with his iconic character, Darth Vader.

Paying his respects to the late actor, Patrick Renna, who portrayed the role of Hamilton in the film, recalled his fondest memories of Jones. Renna shared that the actor inspired the young actors on the first day of the shoot itself, and it left a lasting impact on the young minds. 

In a previous interview with The Rich Eisen Show, Renna revealed that the cast and the crew of the film were mesmerized by the actor’s presence on the sets, as they all popularly knew Earl Jones as Darth Vader.

The Big Green star went on to state, “He was there for a day. He had this huge trailer, and he was larger than life. He’s the famous James Earl Jones—we’re all speechless, and he was so cool.” 

Renna went on to explain that the legendary actor was supposed to shoot a scene with every teen on sets, but then the makers made changes in the script and two young actors, Tom Guiry and Mike Vitar.