Katherine Parkinson Says New Harry Potter Young Cast Is 'Completely Enchanting'

Katherine Parkinson is offering a first look inside the set of HBO's Harry Potter series, and she has nothing but praise for the young actors leading the new adaptation.

The Rivals star, who has been cast as Molly Weasley, told People that the children at the center of the show — Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger — have made a strong impression in the early stretch of production. "I have found those young children just completely enchanting," Parkinson said.

She added that it has been a "relief" to find the young cast so lovely, given the long-term commitment ahead. "Because I'm going to be with them for probably a long time," she told the outlet.

Parkinson, 48, confirmed that her role expands significantly after the first season. "I haven't done much yet, I do a lot more on the second series," she said, while praising the production overall: "It's a great set to be on, and I really like my wig and costume."

The actress was spotted filming at London's King's Cross station back in August alongside the young performers playing the rest of the Weasley clan. The on-screen family includes Ruari Spooner as Percy, twins Tristan and Gabriel Harland as Fred and George, and Gracie Cochrane as Ginny.

Cochrane, however, will not return beyond season one. In a statement shared with People, her family said the young actress "made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season 1," citing unforeseen circumstances. The family thanked casting director Lucy Bevan and the production team for the experience. HBO confirmed the departure in its own statement, saying the network supports the family's decision and is grateful for Cochrane's work on the first season. The role will be recast for season two, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Production on the series launched last July, with the eight-episode first season — an adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone — set to premiere on HBO this Christmas. Season two is already underway in the writers' room, HBO CEO Casey Bloys told The Times of London, though he cautioned that the rollout will not follow a yearly cadence. "The show is too big and too massive," Bloys said, adding that the team still aims to avoid long gaps between seasons "especially because the kids are growing."

The series is expected to adapt each of Rowling's seven novels across its own season.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on HBO this Christmas.