Hollywood
HBO unveils new Harry Potter season two cast for Dobby, Ginny and Tom Riddle
Lenny Rush, Bonnie Hill and Billy Barratt join the cast as Chamber of Secrets begins
MUMBAI: The magic school is getting a few new faces. HBO has announced three additions to season two of its upcoming Harry Potter television series, with Lenny Rush set to play Dobby, Bonnie Hill taking on Ginny Weasley and Billy Barratt portraying Tom Riddle.
Hill will replace Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley in the second season. Cochrane, who appeared as Ginny in season one, has exited the role due to unforeseen circumstances, according to Variety.
The first season of the series has completed production and is scheduled to premiere on HBO on December 25. Season two is currently in pre-production at Leavesden Studios outside London and will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series.
The television adaptation follows Harry Potter as he discovers the wizarding world after receiving an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, Harry forms friendships while uncovering dark secrets hidden within the magical school.
Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
The wider ensemble includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, alongside several other actors playing familiar characters from the books.
The series is based on Rowling’s seven-book fantasy franchise and is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner. Mark Mylod serves as an executive producer and is set to direct multiple episodes.
The show is being produced for HBO in association with Bronte Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Bronte Film and TV, along with David Heyman of Heyday Films, are executive producers.
With season two moving into pre-production, the casting of Dobby, Ginny Weasley and Tom Riddle marks another step in HBO’s adaptation of The Chamber of Secrets and the expansion of its new wizarding-world ensemble.
