For many actors, stepping into a role that defined a generation is a strange experience. But imagine being the one who created that role—and then watching someone else take it on. That's the reality for several original Harry Potter stars as HBO prepares its ambitious television adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved books.
Among those passing the torch are Oliver Phelps and James Phelps, the real-life twins who brought Fred and George Weasley to life across all eight films. The brothers recently revealed that they've written personal letters to their successors, Tristan Harland and Gabriel Harland, who will play the mischievous Weasley twins in the new series.
Speaking with TV Insider, Oliver explained that the notes were meant to offer support and a bit of hard-won wisdom. "We dropped them each an individual letter, just saying some experiences we've had over the years, and wishing them all the best with it," he said. "It was a very, very, very private message or note, but it was more a case of wishing them all the best with what they're doing, which I know that a few of the other cast members from the films have done as well."
He added, "We just wish the best for those guys on their journey, because we were very lucky to have been able to play the characters for when we did."
The new HBO adaptation has assembled an impressive ensemble. Dominic McLaughlin leads as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The adult cast includes John Lithgow (The Crown) as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer (Ozark) as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Rubeus Hagrid, Warwick Davis (Willow) as Filius Flitwick, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) as Severus Snape, Lox Pratt (Lord of the Flies) as Draco Malfoy, and Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) as Molly Weasley.
While fans eagerly await the new series, the Wizarding World continues to expand elsewhere. A Hogwarts Legacy sequel is officially in the works, and the competitive baking show Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking is currently airing its third season on Food Network.
HBO's Harry Potter series is set to premiere on December 25, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max. With the original cast offering their blessings, the new generation of Weasley twins has some big shoes to fill—but at least they know they have support from the wizards who came before them.
