As HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series takes shape, one familiar face from the original film franchise is stepping back into the Wizarding World. Warwick Davis, who portrayed several characters across the original movies, has returned as Professor Filius Flitwick—and says revisiting the role has been both nostalgic and strange. The HBO adaptation will feature a brand-new cast as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but Davis is the first actor from the original films to reprise a role. Speaking recently to Times Radio, he reflected on what it’s been like to re-create scenes he first filmed more than two decades ago.
Back to Hogwarts—Again
Davis explained that the oddest part of returning has been filming in the same location where the original movies were made.
“We’re obviously telling the same story,” he said, noting that many moments feel familiar. “But it’s weird being back in the same studios again, doing it all again.”
The series is being shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the iconic production hub where the eight Harry Potter films were created. For Davis, walking those sets again—wand in hand—has been a powerful reminder of the franchise’s legacy.
A Character With Deep Roots
In the original films, Davis brought multiple Wizarding World characters to life, including Professor Flitwick, a goblin bank teller, and Griphook. For the HBO series, he is focusing solely on Flitwick, the cheerful and highly skilled Charms professor at Hogwarts. Fans of Harry Potter will remember that Flitwick played a relatively minor on-screen role in the movies. However, readers of Harry Potter know the character has far more depth, including a rich backstory and formidable dueling skills.
The Big Change Fans Will Appreciate
While much of the story will feel familiar, Davis teased one major upgrade that longtime fans are likely to embrace.
“We’re retelling those wonderful stories but with more depth and detail than has been seen before,” he said, adding that the series aims to be “very faithful” to the books.
That promise aligns with HBO’s plan to adapt one novel per season, allowing significantly more time for character development, subplots, and world-building that the films—limited by runtime—could only hint at.
Why This Series Matters
The original Harry Potter films, released between 2001 and 2011, became a cultural phenomenon. However, many book fans have long argued that important storylines and character moments were trimmed or omitted. The HBO series offers an opportunity to revisit the saga with fresh eyes while honoring its source material. Davis’s return provides a tangible bridge between the old and new eras, grounding the reboot in authenticity. For Professor Flitwick in particular, the series could finally showcase elements fans have waited years to see, including his Ravenclaw background and mastery of magic beyond the classroom.
Looking Ahead
Although Davis admits it feels “weird” to retrace familiar ground, his enthusiasm suggests the experience is also deeply rewarding. With production underway and a premiere expected in 2027, anticipation continues to build. For fans, the message is clear: the story may be the same, but the journey is about to feel richer than ever.
