HBO's Harry Potter series adds three new cast members for season two

HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation has confirmed three new casting additions for its second season: Rafe Spall will play Arthur Weasley, the father of Ron, echoing his father Timothy's involvement in the original films; Molly Hewitt-Richards has been cast as the spectral Moaning Myrtle, a role previously performed by Shirley Henderson; and Jasper Ambrose will appear as the eager young photographer Colin Creevey, originally portrayed by Hugh Mitchell.

Production on season two is expected to start within weeks, while the first season, featuring Dominic McLaughlin as the titular wizard, is scheduled for a Christmas Day release on HBO and HBO Max. The project continues to face backlash from activists critical of author J.K. Rowling's comments on transgender issues, yet Rowling remains an executive producer and has praised the early scripts. Despite cast changes and on-set challenges, the studio hopes the series will attract both longtime fans and new viewers.