A £1billion ‘mini city’ is reportedly being built for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter adaptation – and it comes complete with its own school (not that one) and medical centre.
With work on the multi-series television adaptation underway, Warner Bros are massively expanding their studio complex at Leavesden, on the outskirts of Watford, Hertfordshire – not far from the local Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
The vast studio extension reportedly includes a (real) school for its young actors, who will continue their education as they juggle shooting responsibilities with their studies.
This will also include roads, multi-storey car parks and hangars to store the show’s sets and bigger props.
Meanwhile, fantastic beats (including horses, rodents, rats, snakes and all manner of familiar) can be found in a special facility – although Warner Bros Studios have stressed that they won’t be kept there overnight.
Not far away, a patch of wasteland will be transformed into the new-and-improved Privet Drive, where a young Harry Potter spent much of his upbringing with the terrible Dursley family.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Warner Bros are making a huge commitment to the new TV show, looking at making multiple, lengthy series over the next decade.
‘So they see pumping a huge amount of cash in upfront to construct this infrastructure as a worthwhile investment, which they’ll eventually get a return on.
‘What they’ll have is a small metropolis which will not only provide the backdrop for the show but all the facilities the huge cast and crew need, too.’
Earlier this month, it was reported that the show had already found its future Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley – all reportedly 11 years old, and British.
While its future superstars have yet to be named, they will join existing cast members John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as potions master Severus Snape.
The series is described as a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s series of novels, and is planned to run for seven seasons, with a projected premiere date of 2027.
The show has been plagued with a host of controversies thanks to the continued involvement of creator Rowling, who will serve as executive producer.
Rowling remains a controversial figure due to her outspoken views on trans issues, which the LGBTQ+ community and multiple civil rights groups have criticised.
This has led to calls for a boycott from concerned parties, including former fans of the once universally beloved franchise.
HBO’s chief content officer has responded to debate with reassurances that the show ‘will not secretly be infused’ with her divisive views.
‘And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter,’ the executive added.
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