The Weasley brothers solemnly swear they are up to no good in the text thread.

Indeed, twins Oliver Phelps and James Phelps—who portrayed George Weasley and Fred Weasley in the Harry Potterfilm franchise—revealed that the Hogwarts alumni continue to stay connected through their group chat.

“It’s one of those where it will spark up every now and then,” Oliver exclusively told The Rundown’s Erin Lim Rhodeswhile visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal’s brand new Epic Universe. “[It’ll be] like, ‘Happy birthday!’ or ‘Happy Christmas!’ And then it’ll go a bit quiet.”

He continued, “Then it’ll be something else that’ll come up. Like, ‘Oh, I’ve done this,’ or something. So, it’s quite a sporadic chat, but it’s cool that we’re still into it.”

But while the film’s cast—including onscreen brother Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson—have made sure to keep in contact, the beloved movies also connected them with some pretty famous fans. In fact, the late Kobe Bryantused to exchange sports tips—both real and imaginary—with the brothers.

“He was a huge Harry Potter fan [and] knew everything,” James told Erin. “He was asking us about quidditch and I was asking him about tips for my free throw. That was awesome.”

Oliver added, “He was actually telling us how on game day, when they were playing in Orlando, he would limit himself to one butterbeer because he said that two affected his game. It was mindblowing seeing that a legend like he was is such a big fan of the films. It was really cool.”

And though the Phelps twins continue to keep up with their Harry Potter history, new students will soon be sorted into their houses in the forthcoming HBO TV series, which just announced the show’s lead actors. However, the franchise’s inaugural Harry has made it clear fans shouldn’t expect appearances from the original cast. 

“I think they very wisely want to [have] a clean break,” Daniel told E! News last May. “And I don't know if it would work to have us do anything in it."

He added, "I'm very happy to just watch along with everyone else."

Keep reading for all the details on who will be part of the next generation at Hogwarts.

(E! and Universal Orlando Resort are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) 

Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will step into the Gryffindor robes of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The trio takes over from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played the roles in the film franchise from 2000 to 2010.

"The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen," said Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the executive producers of the TV adaptation. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there."

In December 2024, it was reported that Emmy-nominated British actor Paapa Essiedu was in talks to play Professor Snape, who was memorably portrayed by the late Alan Rickman in the movies. Essiedu is a rising star of stage and screen, perhaps most recognized for his role in the HBO drama I May Destroy You.

Veteran actor John Lithgow will star as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore in the HBO series. His extensive list of credits includes Conclave, Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and The Crown. Lithgow also boasts an impressive list of awards, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.

“It was not an easy decision,” Lithgow told ScreenRant while confirming his casting in February 2025, “because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited... I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.

British actress Janet McTeer is reportedly in negotiations to play Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor and Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress. McTeer's career spans back decades and includes roles in Ozark, Jessica Jones, and Sorry for Your Loss. The late, great Dame Maggie Smith took on the role in the film franchise.

In March 2025, Variety reported that comedian Nick Frost was nearing a deal to play half-giant Hagrid. Frost was launched to fame for his roles alongside Simon Pegg in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. He will next be seen in Universal's live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. Hagrid was played in the original films by Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022.

In April 2025, HBO announced that five-time BAFTA winner Paul Whitehouse would be stepping into the boots of Hogwarts caretaker Filch, taking over the role played by David Bradley in the films. Whitehouse is well known for his comedy work in the UK, and (fun fact!) he also appeared as Sir Cadogan, one of the living portraits in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Perhaps the least well-known actor of the new cast, Luke Thallon is a rising star in the theater world and will portray Harry's first Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Ian Hart previously portrayed Quirrell, who plays a memorable role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

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