EXCLUSIVE: Ron Weasley’s (Alastair Stout) little sister will look a little different in Season 2 of HBO‘s Harry Potter series. Young actress Gracie Cochrane, who portrays Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will not return for Season 2 of the fantasy series, Cochrane and her family revealed.
“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 one,” they said in a statement. “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.”
The adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s hugely popular books was officially renewed for a second season earlier this month, with production on the new installment expected to begin in the fall.
“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,” HBO said in a statement. “We wish Gracie and her family the best.”
Recastings are always unfortunate, with an extra layer of sensitivity added when the actor involved is a child. All kids cast in the Harry Potter series, who were selected from tens of thousands of submissions, are being thrust into the spotlight as they take on the famous literary characters. Ginny Weasley holds a special place among them because of her relationship with the title hero later in the story.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is being released on Christmas. It is written and executive produced by showrunner Francesca Gardiner. Mark Mylod serves as executive producer and directed multiple episodes. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films also executive produce the series, produced by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. It will air on HBO and be available to stream exclusively on HBO Max.
