Harry Potter Series' New Weasley Twins Casting Addressed By OG Actors Amid Spinoff's Season 3 Return

Published Nov 6, 2026, 2:02 PM EST Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour. Ahead of the Christmas Day premiere of HBO's Harry Potter TV show, James and Oliver Phelps have now reacted to the new actors replacing them in the small-screen remake. The Phelps twins made their acting debut in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (aka Philosopher's Stone) back in 2001. Playing Fred and George Weasley, two of Ron Weasley's older brothers, the actors continued to reprise the comical troublemakers in all seven sequels. Now, as the movies celebrate their 25th anniversary, HBO is gearing up to debut a TV remake, which will see Tristan and Gabriel Harland succeeding the Phelpses. While speaking with TV Insider, James and Oliver Phelps divulged that they sent each of the Harland twins letters to let them know how the experience was for them playing Fred and George over the years and being a part of a massively popular and beloved fantasy franchise. "It was a very, very, very private message or note," Oliver explained, "but it was more a case of wishing them all the best with what they're doing." Oliver added that he and his brother were "very lucky to have been able to play these characters for when we did." Oliver Phelps: “We dropped them each an individual letter, just saying some experiences we’ve had over the years, and wishing them all the best with it. And it was a very, very, very private message or note, but it was more a case of wishing them all the best with what they’re doing, which I know that a few of the other cast members from the films have done as well. We just wish the best for those guys on their journey, because we were very lucky to have been able to play the characters for when we did.” Their fellow cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton have also spoken publicly about having reached out to the new actors playing Harry Potter, Ron and Draco Malfoy. After the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2, was released in 2011, the Phelpses went on to other projects like Danny and the Human Zoo, Last Night in Soho and Fantastic Friends. But they never forgot their roots and have regularly returned to the Wizarding World franchise, including filming scenes for the Hogwarts Express at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. Over the past three years, the twins have been hosting the Food Network competition show Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, which sees teams compete against each other as they create elaborate desserts inspired by Harry Potter. The third season just debuted this week as part of the film franchise's 25th anniversary, with new episodes airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST. Oliver told TV Insider that it's "really cool" and "really awesome" seeing how the contestants interpret characters and scenes from the series. Oliver Phelps: “I think just being able to see the joy it’s brought to so many people has been awesome. I think 25 years has gone by — they say it’s a lot — but it’s gone by so quickly. And the fact that we’re able to do it on the Wizards of Baking kitchen floor is really, really cool. And to be able to see people’s interpretations of certain elements from not just the first film, but from all the movies, and bring that to life in cake format is really awesome.” Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking season 3 will end in mid-December, and then days later, the eight-episode first season of the Harry Potter remake will premiere. Tristan and Gabriel Harland's co-stars include Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, Arabella Stanton, John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Lox Pratt, Warwick Davis and Katherine Parkinson. In Harry Potter season 1, Harry discovers he's a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While there, he befriends Ron and Hermione Granger, as they work together to prevent the Philosopher's Stone from getting into the wrong hands. A second season is already in the works, with filming having gotten underway in August. Harry Potter premieres Friday, December 25 on HBO and HBO Max. Release Date 2026 - 2026 Showrunner Francisca Gardiner Directors Mark Mylod Cast Dominic McLaughlin Harry Potter Arabella Stanton Hermione Granger Alastair Stout Ron Weasley Janet McTeer Minerva McGonagall Harry Potter is HBO's adatation of the iconic Wizarding World book series tby J.K. Rowling. The first season, The Philosopher's Stone, follows the titular Harry Potter as he discovers his magical potential, enrolls at Hogwarts, and begins to uncover a sinister force. Writers Francesca Gardiner Franchise(s) Harry Potter Main Genre Adventure Executive Producer(s) Francesca Gardiner, Mark Mylod, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, David Heyman, J.K. Rowling Seasons 1 Number of Episodes 8 Release Window Christmas 2026 Story By JK Rowling Streaming Service(s) MAX