Ginny Weasley actor's family issue statement as they pull her from new Harry Potter show
While fans are eagerly awaiting its release, the new Harry Potter series is wrapping production on season one.
But as it was originally understood that the cast would remain the same throughout the HBO show (pretty much like it did in the films), it’s now been confirmed that one of the characters is already going to be recast.
The TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s massively popular Wizarding World was officially renewed for its second season earlier this month, and it’s expected that production will begin later this year.
Well, Gracie Cochrane, who plays Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will not return for the second season and beyond.
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Why will Gracie Cochrane not return as Ginny Weasley?
Her family issued a statement today (18 May), as they confirmed the ‘challenging decision’ had been made for her to leave the role.
In a statement shared by Deadline, the young actor’s family said: “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.”
Gracie’s family said that her time as part of the world of Harry Potter playing the Weasley daughter has been ‘truly wonderful’.
“And she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience,” they continued.
“Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”
In response to her exit, HBO added in a statement: “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.
“We wish Gracie and her family the best.”
While Ginny is a minor presence in the first book, she has a key role in the second, The Chamber of Secrets.
In this, she of course is tricked into opening a secret room in Hogwarts castle, releasing a murderous giant serpent. Bonnie Wright played Ginny in all eight of the Harry Potter movies.
It’s not yet announced who will play Ginny as the character is set to be recast.
As for the rest of the Weasley clan, The IT Crowd and Rivals star Katherine Parkinson will play Ginny's mother Molly.
It's not been confirmed who will play Arthur, the Weasley patriarch who works at the Ministry of Magic.
People think it might be Grey's Anatomy's Kevin McKidd after Cochrane started following him on Instagram.
McKidd told Entertainment Weekly: "Listen, I would never say never. I'm a massive Harry Potter fan. If those rumours can turn into something real, I would be very happy about that."
Alistair Stout will, of course, be playing Ron Weasley, while real-life twins Tristan and Gabriel Harland will play teenager tricksters Fred and George, and Ruari Spooner will play Percy Weasley.
Other children cast in the Harry Potter HBO show include Dominic McLaughlin as the boy wizard himself, Arabella Stanton as Hermione.
And other actors confirmed for the series include Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
A look at the new Harry Potter cast in action
Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin)
Professor McGonagall (Janet McTeer)
Dumbledore (John Lithgow)
Draco Malfoy (Lox Pratt)
Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton)
Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout)
Professor Snape (Paapa Essiedu)
Hagrid (Nick Frost)
Aunt Petunia (Bel Powley)
Harry Potter season one will release Christmas Day 2026.
Topics: Harry Potter, HBO, TV and Film
Jess Battison