Bosses have reportedly had to go to extreme lengths to protect their props on set of the new Harry Potter TV adaptation.
The HBO series has been several years in the making, with the first season, which follows the story of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, premiering at Christmastime.
It’s fair to say the build-up has been intense, what with the controversy surrounding author JK Rowling’s views on the transgender community and her serving as an executive producer on the television retelling. Actors cast in the iconic roles have caught heat for taking on the gig as a result.
And in the latest blow to the production, it’s said to have been targeted by thieves, leaving the crew with no choice but to microchip their props.
As reported by The Sun, broomsticks, pumpkins, spell books, wands, and even fake food have been disappearing (Evanesco-style, aka the vanishing spell).
Members of the camera crew are believed to have noticed the items were missing during a Halloween feast scene in the ‘mesmerising’ new Hogwarts Great Hall.
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Consequently, posters have been displayed in rest areas on the £1billion set in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, warning actors and other staff that items have been ‘microchipped’.
‘Props on this production have been microchipped,’ the text reads, with an illustration of a tagged broomstick below.
‘For inventory and security purposes, props are being tracked daily, and movement of props will be logged,’ adds the stern warning.
‘If you need to take any prop off-set or away from its designated area, please seek approval from the Props Department first.’
The text adds: ‘If you notice any lost/misplaced items or anything out of place, please report it to the Props team … or Assets so they can continue looking.’
A source added to the publication that, for once, the scandal cannot be blamed on Lord Voldemort, a character whose casting is yet to be announced.
‘It’s easy to suspect the dozens of support actors on set, but truthfully, no one knows who is responsible.’
Bosses are going to be ‘scouring eBay’ in an attempt to track down anything uploaded for resale.
As for the consequences: ‘Anyone caught doing so will be punished and fired.’
Props are playing a key role in transforming the filming locations to replicate the wizarding world of Hogwarts, with the insider adding that the backdrops, in particular, created for the upcoming series are ‘amazing’.
‘Viewers are in for a treat. There are so many props, which make it look so good.’
Earlier this year, it was announced that Dominic McLaughlin would take on the titular role of the young boy wizard, succeeding original child actor Daniel Radcliffe.
Completing the famous trio are Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, played in the films by Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, respectively. They will reportedly be paid £500,000 for season 1 alone.
Other big-name stars include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Lox Pratt will play Slytherin student Draco Malfoy, Tristan and Gabriel Harland will play twins Fred and George Weasley, Gracie Cochrane will be sister Ginny, and Rory Wilmot will play Gryffindor peer Neville Longbottom.
As mentioned, the role of villainous Voldemort is yet to be filled – at least publicly.
The dark wizard – played from 2005 to 2011 by Ralph Fiennes – was previously reported to be portrayed by Cillian Murphy, but the Peaky Blinders lead was quick to rule himself out.
Other stars in the running currently include Tilda Swinton, which would mark a huge change for the franchise by switching the antagonist’s gender.
Season 1, based on the first novel, will consist of eight episodes and drop globally on December 25, 2026.
After this, a second series will adapt the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Released in March, the show’s first-look trailer broke records, becoming the most-viewed trailer in history for HBO and HBO Max, with 277million views in the first 48 hours.
However, many former Potterheads are still insisting on boycotting the new version, what with its ties to Rowling, 60, who has long made it clear where she stands on trans rights.
In the past, this has included liking transphobic tweets, opposing legislation to advance gender self-recognition, and even coming to blows with actress Watson, 36, whom she branded ‘ignorant’ after the Hermione star expressed her differences.
Still, Rowling has maintained her involvement in the new series, confirming last year that she has ‘worked closely with the extremely talented writers’, with HBO’s full backing in the role.
The network’s previous statement told Variety: ‘We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.
‘JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.’
HBO has been contacted for comment.
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