Even before the start of the first season, there is a reshuffle in the “Harry Potter” series.Image: www.imago-images.de
Hogwarts is upside down: The young actress Gracie Cochrane says goodbye to HBO after the first season of the new “Harry Potter” series.
May 19, 2026, 4:36 p.mMay 19, 2026, 4:36 p.m
Oliver Koch / watson.de
The HBO production of “Harry Potter” is a prestigious project – and comes with enormous expectations. Now there’s a big bang before the series premieres: Gracie Cochrane, originally cast as Ginny Weasley, is retiring, according to «Variety» back after season one. The actress’ family has now confirmed this publicly.
In a joint statement, Cochrane emphasized that her time in the world of “Harry Potter” was “truly wonderful.” Casting director Lucy Bevan and the production team are warmly praised for their support. The reasons for her exit are described as “unforeseen circumstances”.
Farewell after just one season – Ginny gets a new face
The first season has already been filmed and is scheduled to appear on HBO at Christmas. The second season is in pre-production at the well-known Leavesden Studios near London – but from then on with a new actress for Ginny Weasley. HBO has not yet presented a successor.
The role of Ginny Weasley becomes increasingly important, especially from season two onwards. In the first episodes, based on “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, Ginny is mainly present on the outskirts – at the famous King’s Cross platform, where she says goodbye to her siblings.
But in the next season, based on “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” Ginny will be at the center of the plot. She is manipulated, opens the infamous chamber and unleashes a deadly giant snake on Hogwarts.
Theater about new appointments: Not entirely new in the Harry Potter universe
The community already knows new casts from the “Harry Potter” films: whether Dumbledore after the death of Richard Harris or smaller characters like the Death Eater Vincent Crabbe – changes in actors always cause discussions among fans. The news about Ginny Weasley will hardly leave the fandom unmoved.
Gracie Cochrane says goodbye with kind words: The young actress is keeping her future plans open and thanks for the “wonderful experience” on set. The tranquil magical world of Hogwarts is already in motion before the series starts.
One thing is certain: HBO is faced with the challenge of continuing a popular character without interruption – a daring adventure that will be very familiar to those familiar with the Potterverse.