While we are yet to see a single episode from the Harry Potter TV series, plans are moving on apace for the already confirmed second season based on JK Rowling’s second book, The Chamber of Secrets.
Now, it has been confirmed that one central role will be recast, with the young actor playing Ginny Weasley, Gracie Cochrane, having dropped out after one season.
The news was confirmed by Deadline as season 1 is wrapping production, with Cochrane and her family saying in a statement: “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 1.
“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.”
Meanwhile, HBO said in a statement: “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. We wish Gracie and her family the best.”
For those who know their Potter, they will be well aware that Ginny plays a crucial role in The Chamber of Secrets.
Back in August 2025, an image was released of the actors playing the Weasley children, including Ron star Alastair Stout, Ginny star Cochrane, Fred star Tristan Harland, George star Gabriel Harland and Percy star Ruari Spooner.
The first season of the Harry Potter TV series is set to arrive on HBO Max this Christmas.
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Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights.
In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall.
Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”.
In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”.
Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, have distanced themselves from Rowling’s views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community.
Others, including Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received.
Harry Potter will be coming to HBO in the US and HBO Max globally on 25 December 2026. Subscribe to HBO Max in the UK from £5.99 a month.
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