Bonnie Wright, known for her role as Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, is ready to see a new cast step into the beloved characters for HBO's upcoming adaptation of J.K. Rowling's novels. As the series prepares to revisit the magical world, Wright has a few hopes for what the TV show might include—particularly the moments that didn't make it into the original films.
Reflecting on her time as Ginny, Wright expressed her desire for the new series to delve deeper into the relationship between Ginny and Harry Potter, originally played by Daniel Radcliffe. “There are so many things,” Wright shared during the Back to Hogwarts event at New York's Grand Central Terminal. “I'd love to see more of the development of Ginny and Harry's relationship. There are these nuanced moments where they start to fall in love. I think it's important to show how Ginny becomes a loyal partner to Harry, understanding his story and being the best match for him. I hope the series captures that evolution.”
Wright also mentioned other characters she hopes will get more attention in the new series, such as Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. “If only we could have had five-hour movies,” she mused, “there are so many characters with moments I love from the books. As a fan, I'm excited to see more of those moments brought to life.”
As HBO continues its search for the new cast, Wright is refraining from giving any specific advice to the actors who will take on the iconic roles. She acknowledges that the new generation of actors will face “a bit more pressure” due to the heightened visibility and expectations brought on by social media. However, she encourages them to explore the characters in their own way. “When we were making the films, we didn't know where Harry Potter was going, and there wasn't as much access to public opinion. It was a bit of a bubble,” Wright explained. “But I think it's a great opportunity for these actors to have fun with their roles and make them their own. I'm really looking forward to watching the series from the other side, as an audience member, and seeing fresh, new interpretations.”
Wright has no plans to make a cameo or take on a different role in HBO's Harry Potter series, which is set to premiere in 2026. She prefers the idea of the series featuring an entirely new cast. “I think it might be a bit confusing if the original cast appeared in different roles,” she said. “So no, I'm happy just to be watching.”
In the meantime, Wright will be participating in the Food Network's upcoming Harry Potter-themed baking competition, Wizards of Baking, as a guest judge. She'll be joining James and Oliver Phelps, who played her on-screen brothers Fred and George Weasley. The show, filmed on some of the original Harry Potter sets, offers Wright a nostalgic return to the magical world in a completely different context.
“I always love going back—it brings back so many memories,” Wright said of filming the competition. “It was also fun doing something completely different, like a baking show. It was a surprise, but a really enjoyable one. And being back with James and Oliver, my on-set brothers, was a blast. They do such a fantastic job hosting the show, making it fun and reminding us of all the memories and stories from the films. It's not just about judging the contestants; it's also a chance to share more stories from our time on set. I think people really miss those sets, and it was great to be back.”
