Harry Potter TV series to be filmed in £1 billion mini-town with new Privet Drive, claims report. Here's what we know so far

A £1billion mini-town, incorporating a school and medical centre, will serve as the filming location for the upcoming Harry Potter television series, according to a report of The Sun.

As per the report, Warner Bros is expanding their studio complex in Leavesden, near Watford, Herts, building new roadways, multi-storey parking facilities and expansive hangars for set construction. The makers are even building a dedicated school facility to accommodate hundreds of young performers who need to stay there for a long-term filming schedules. Additionally, a specialised facility is reportedly being built to house various animals required for filming, including dogs, birds of prey, rodents, snakes, spiders and horses.

Adjacent wasteland is being transformed into a modernised Privet Drive, featuring Tudor-style architecture, the report added.

"Warner Bros are making a huge commitment to the new TV show, looking at making multiple, lengthy series over the next decade," an industry source told The Sun.

US television network HBO is producing this adaptation of JK Rowling's books. While the principal cast remains unannounced, over 32,000 candidates have submitted audition recordings. The production aims to achieve success similar to Daniel Radcliffe (35), Emma Watson (35), and Rupert Grint (36), who portrayed Harry, Hermione Grainger and Ron Weasley in the film series.

Harry Porter TV Series Cast

HBO has earlier announced its initial cast selection for the upcoming Harry Potter series, revealing actors who will portray significant characters from the magical realm. According to Variety, John Lithgow from The Crown and Conclave will portray Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer, acclaimed for Tumbleweeds and The White Queen, has been selected as Professor Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu from Gangs of London will play Professor Severus Snape, whilst Nick Frost has been chosen as Rubeus Hagrid.

Additional cast announcements include Luke Thallon from Leopoldstadt and Patriots as Professor Quirinus Quirrell, and British entertainer Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod expressed their enthusiasm, stating: "We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch. We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life."

The series' main characters - Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley - remain uncast despite receiving over 30,000 applications through an open audition process. Production is scheduled to commence this summer.