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The new Harry Potter adaptation moved into a different stage this week. After weeks inside the controlled environment of Leavesden Studios, the production stepped out into central London. Redanian Intelligence released the first photos from the outdoor shoot, taken near The Blue Maid pub on Borough High Street. The place looked altered, signs and entrances reshaped to fit a different story. Some observers noted it resembled the Leaky Cauldron, the well-known gateway to Diagon Alley. The idea hasn’t been confirmed, but it remains one of the strongest interpretations of the images.
Crowds in the area noticed the scale of the setup. It was not only a few actors walking by. Lights, cameras, and crew members lined the street, moving quickly to capture each shot. The energy suggested the importance of these scenes.
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Harry and Hagrid together
Dominic McLaughlin was seen in costume as Harry Potter. Close to him stood Nick Frost, stepping into the role of Hagrid. Their appearance together on a public street immediately stood out. This was the first time both characters had been caught in action outside the studio.
The photos showed more than just the actors. Scale doubles were also present. For Hagrid, the use of a double is essential to reflect the half-giant described in the books. The choice to film with both versions side by side shows how the production wants to keep the proportions consistent.
Harry Potter doubles and the work on Hagrid’s scale
Nick Frost’s double was identified as Anthony Wallyn. Standing at 2.2 meters, Wallyn is known in Britain for being the country’s tallest policeman. Redanian Intelligence confirmed his involvement during the London shoot.
He was seen wearing not only Hagrid’s layered costume but also a helmet molded to look like Frost’s head. The helmet, almost like a mask, had openings around the eyes and cheeks. From the angle of the photos it seems those holes were placed to align with Wallyn’s eyes, making movement possible. The result looked unusual, but practical, and matched the need for scale.
Scenes on set
Different combinations were spotted. Some photos show McLaughlin walking next to Frost. Others capture him alongside Wallyn in the enlarged form of Hagrid. Blue screen panels appeared behind Frost in a few frames, an indicator that visual effects will be added during post-production.
What stands out is the blend of methods. Practical tricks, costumes, a very tall double, and digital backgrounds. It shows the production is not relying on only one solution. There is evidence of a careful balance between what can be built on set and what will later be created digitally.
Story elements
The presence of Harry Potter with Hagrid in these early scenes links directly to the beginning of the saga. In the first book, Hagrid is the one who takes Harry into the wizarding world for the first time and introduces him to Diagon Alley. The scene in Borough strongly echoes that part of the narrative.
Whether The Blue Maid location will officially serve as the Leaky Cauldron remains unconfirmed. The association exists mainly through comparisons made after the photos were released, not through any announcement from the studio.
Confirmed cast
The London shoot highlighted McLaughlin and Frost, but the larger cast is also confirmed. Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore have actors attached, announced earlier this year by Warner Bros. Discovery. Seeing Frost in costume as Hagrid answered part of the curiosity around his casting.
The use of doubles and prosthetic masks shows a strategy focused on scale and realism. Some have noted that this may reduce the need for heavy CGI. It is, however, an observation from what was seen on set, not a declared policy of the production team.
Production timeline
According to Redanian Intelligence, filming for the first season is planned to continue until May 2026. This timeline has not been confirmed by the studio but was reported in the coverage of the shoot. The same report mentioned that the second season would follow directly after, filmed back-to-back.
The premiere has been mentioned in multiple outlets. AP News and TechRadar both reported that the first season of Harry Potter is set to debut in 2027. The gap between filming and release allows time for the extensive post-production work expected for a series of this scale.
Expectations
The return of Harry Potter as a serialized show has raised expectations. A television format creates room for chapters that were compressed in the films. It allows for more time inside spaces like Diagon Alley, more detail in early introductions.
Reconstructed sets, physical doubles, and visible on-location filming show a production aiming to make the story tangible. Even with some details unconfirmed, the decision to stage large sequences in real streets sends a signal about ambition. The photos from Borough High Street have already given a sense of scale and mood, even before any official footage is released.
Conclusion
The London scenes mark a visible step in the development of the new Harry Potter series. Harry and Hagrid appearing together, supported by a mix of practical techniques and later effects, provide the first strong image of how the adaptation will take shape. The link between The Blue Maid and the Leaky Cauldron remains speculation, and the exact storyline is not revealed. Still, the early glimpse confirms progress and sets the stage for a premiere in 2027 that is already drawing attention.
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