Deadline has reported that The new Harry Potter series is already seeing its first departure. Ginny Weasley actor Grace Cochran (Blitz, Bettlejuice Bettlejuice) will leave the series due to unforeseen circumstances. Although Ginny plays a relatively minor role in the first book, she is featured more prominently in The Chamber Of Secrets and subsequent books. Spoiler alert, even though the series is more than twenty years old. Ginny eventually becomes the main interest of the titular protagonist Harry Potter, set to be played by Dominic McLaughlin (Grow, Gifted). Her brother Ron Weasley will be played by Alastair Stout in his debut role.
Her family released a statement, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one. Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience. Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds, ” via Deadline.
The second season of the series is not speculative as it was renewed by HBO last month. The studio responded to the young actress’s departure, “We support Gracie Cochrane and her family’s decision not to return for the next season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, and we are grateful for her work on season one of the show,” via Deadline.
The original film series was forced to recast a major character as well. Richard Harris (Gladiator, Unforgiven) played Albus Dumbledore (Judy, King Of Thieves) in the first two installments, but was replaced by Michael Gambon for the rest of the series after he passed away in 2002.
The new series is set to release on Christmas. Fracesscas Gardier (Succession, His Dark Materials) is executive producer and showrunner. Mark Mylod (Game Of Thrones, The Affair), known for his work on Succession and The Menu, serves as a directing EP, setting the tone and style for the pilot and the rest of the series. Other executive producers include original author J.K. Rowling(Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets), Neil Blair (Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, C.B. Strike), Ruth Kenley-Letts (You Don’t Know Me, Mrs. Wilson), and David Heyman (Gravity, Marriage Story).