The wizarding world is about to get its most ambitious expansion yet. HBO Max is reportedly deep in development on a brand-new limited series centered on the four legendary founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff. The project, still shrouded in secrecy, promises to be an epic origin story exploring the ancient magic, fierce rivalries, and dark secrets that shaped the most famous magical school in history. And the casting rumors? They’re already sending the internet into a complete meltdown.
At the center of the frenzy are two names that have fans screaming: Henry Cavill is reportedly being eyed for the bold, courageous Godric Gryffindor, while Tom Hiddleston is the top choice to play the cunning, ambitious Salazar Slytherin. The pairing alone is enough to break the internet—two of the most charismatic, physically imposing actors in Hollywood stepping into the robes of the most iconic wizarding house founders. If these rumors hold true, we’re looking at a casting dream that could rival the original Harry Potter trio.
The series is said to be set centuries before Harry Potter’s time, diving deep into the founding era when the four greatest witches and wizards of their age decided to build a school that would unite young magical talent. But unity was never easy. The founders clashed over fundamental philosophies—Godric’s bravery and inclusivity versus Salazar’s pure-blood supremacy, Rowena’s pursuit of wisdom and intellect, and Helga’s unwavering belief in hard work and fairness. These ideological battles, combined with ancient magical threats and personal betrayals, are expected to form the emotional and dramatic core of the show.
Insiders say the tone will be darker and more mature than the Harry Potter films—think Game of Thrones meets The Rings of Power, with sweeping medieval battles, forbidden spells, and the raw, untamed magic of the early wizarding world. Expect towering castles under construction, enchanted forests teeming with mythical creatures, and the first whispers of the infamous Chamber of Secrets. The series is positioned as a prestige HBO drama, with a massive budget to match the scale of the story.
The casting buzz alone is pure wildfire. Henry Cavill as Godric Gryffindor feels almost too perfect—his commanding presence, chiseled jawline, and proven track record in epic fantasy (The Witcher, The Sandman) make him the ideal embodiment of the brave lion of Gryffindor house. Cavill has long been a vocal Harry Potter fan, and his ability to balance heroism with quiet intensity would bring Godric to life in a way fans have always dreamed.
Tom Hiddleston as Salazar Slytherin is equally electrifying. The Loki star has spent years playing complex, charismatic villains with layers of tragedy and ambition. Salazar’s character—brilliant, prejudiced, and ultimately tragic—would give Hiddleston the chance to deliver a performance that is both seductive and terrifying. The idea of Hiddleston and Cavill clashing on screen in a battle of ideals and magic has fans already writing fanfiction.
Other casting rumors are swirling as well. Names like Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) and Anya Taylor-Joy have been mentioned for Rowena Ravenclaw, while Florence Pugh and Jodie Comer are reportedly in the mix for Helga Hufflepuff. The series is said to focus heavily on the founders’ younger years, exploring their friendships, rivalries, and the slow unraveling of their once-unbreakable bond.
The project is being developed under the watchful eye of Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming division, with J.K. Rowling reportedly serving as an executive producer and consultant to ensure fidelity to the lore. Multiple writers’ rooms have been working on the series bible, and early scripts are said to be “epic in scope and emotionally devastating.”
For fans, this is the prequel they’ve been waiting for since Fantastic Beasts failed to fully satisfy. Hogwarts Founders would finally answer burning questions: How did the four founders first meet? What ancient threats did they face together? How did Slytherin’s prejudice poison the well? And what really happened in the final rift that led to the creation of the Chamber of Secrets?
The timing couldn’t be better. With Harry Potter nostalgia at an all-time high, the HBO Max Harry Potter reboot series already in development, and the wizarding world expanding into games, theme parks, and Broadway, a founders-focused series feels like the natural next step.
If the casting rumors prove true, we’re looking at one of the most star-studded, visually stunning, and emotionally charged additions to the wizarding world yet. Henry Cavill as Godric Gryffindor. Tom Hiddleston as Salazar Slytherin. Swords, spells, and centuries-old grudges. The hype is real—and it’s only just beginning.
Mark your calendars, witches and wizards. The Founders are coming, and Hogwarts will never be the same.
