An actress will step down from her role in the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series.
Gracie Cochrane, who plays Ginny Weasley in HBO’s new adaptation of the Harry Potter books, will leave the part ahead of the show’s second season.
In a statement, the Cochrane family said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO Harry Potter series after season one.
"Her time as part of the Harry Potter world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience.
"Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds."
The actor starred in the show’s first season, which launches this Christmas and adapts JK Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
A spokesperson for HBO said: "We support Gracie Cochrane and her family’s decision not to return for the next season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, and we are grateful for her work on season one of the show.
HBO’s #HarryPotter series is recasting Ginny Weasley for Season 2 after child actor Gracie Cochrane exited the role due to “unforeseen circumstances”:
The second season is currently in production at Leavesden Studios outside London.https://t.co/1KlyNgjqvV pic.twitter.com/4uhdPSX68F— Variety (@Variety) May 18, 2026
"We wish Gracie and her family the best."
The new cast also includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Professor Severus Snape, while US actor John Lithgow will play headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
John Lithgow 'intimidated' to play Dumbledore
John Lithgow has said he is “very excited” and “very intimidated” to play wizard and Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in a new Harry Potter TV series.
The upcoming HBO Original series has creator JK Rowling as its executive producer, and will feature a brand new cast while aiming to stay authentic to the original books.
Speaking about appearing in the show, Lithgow told the BBC’s The One Show: “(I’m) very excited, very intimidated.
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“I will be following the great Michael Gambon, I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV.
“I have, I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine.
“But yes, I mean it’s an enormous thrill, but I know there were plenty of people appalled that Americans should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard, but I will do my best.”
Are you looking forward to the new Harry Potter series? Let us know in the comments
