A set of unofficial photos released from the set of the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series shows a scene that had not appeared in the original books or the film series, ComicBook reports.

The photos, which circulated online Wednesday, appear to show John Lithgow’s (Conclave, Bombshell) Dumbledore speaking with Nicholas Flamel, whose actor has not yet been made public.

Video of Dumbledore talking to Nicolas Flamel and his wife in the HARRY POTTER TV series

(via Terry Burton) pic.twitter.com/szl5EreYlH

— Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) October 8, 2025

Flamel, a character who has been discussed in the books, has never made an actual appearance in the text or the films. As the creator of the Philosopher’s Stone, which grants immortality, Harry, Ron, and Hermione discover that he is old friends with Dumbledore, according to ComicBook.

The development shows that the minds behind the new series are willing to depart from the J.K. Rowling’s (The Casual Vacancy, The Hallmarked Man) canon in order to bring fans a fresh take on the series.

This comes as Warner Bros will re-release Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2026 as part of the film’s 25th anniversary, posing a challenge to the creators behind the new series. ComicBook notes that the series will be competing for viewership with the Sorcerer’s Stone re-release at a time when it will need to prove itself to fans and newcomers alike.

ComicBook notes that the television format may be just what the series needs to introduce exciting new material to fans, with its extended runtime providing an opportunity to explore the Wizarding World in greater detail. By comparison, the films often failed to elaborate on the expansive lore of the books, or even had to cut original material due to their constrained runtime.

Previously Chris Columbus (Nosferatu, The Lighthouse), who had directed the first three Harry Potter films, had asked “what’s the point?” of adapting the books again on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, commenting on how similar Hagrid’s costume appeared to the character’s wardrobe in the films.

The series has cast Dominic McLaughlin (Grow) as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, in addition to Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Attack the Block) as Hagrid, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, The Outrun) as Severus Snape, with Francesca Gardiner (Succession, Killing Eve) as showrunner.

Harry Potter is slated to release on HBO in 2027.