HBO has announced new cast members for its Harry Potter TV series, including a recast of the Ginny Weasley role. Fans noticed that the new actress shares a first name with the original film Ginny.
New cast announced for season 2
The streaming service revealed on 4th September three new cast members joining the production for its second series in pivotal roles. Billy Barratt (Bring Her Back, Invasion) will portray Tom Riddle, and Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable) takes on the house elf Dobby.
It also emerged that Ginny Weasley had been recast. Actress Bonnie Hill will assume the role of Ron Weasley's younger sister after Gracie Cochrane had to leave the production owing to "unforeseen circumstances", reports the Daily Record.
Fans spot the Bonnie coincidence
The official HBO Max Instagram account posted: "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Welcome Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, Billy Barratt as Tom Riddle, and Lenny Rush as Dobby to season 2 of the HBO Original Series Harry Potter. #HarryPotterHBO."
Fans were swift to observe that the role of Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films was also portrayed by an actress called Bonnie. It was Bonnie Wright who originally brought the character to life on cinema screens, featuring in all eight of the original films.
In another coincidence, the newly-cast Bonnie actually portrays a character called Ginny in the television series Girl Troop vs Aliens. The children's comedy programme follows four 12-year-old friends who encounter extraterrestrials during their annual summer camp.
Fan reactions and series details
"OG and new Ginny both played by Bonnies," one fan observed beneath HBO's casting announcement. "Another Bonnie," a second wrote alongside a happy face emoji. "Both Ginny played by actresses named 'Bonnie' is so cute," a third contributed. Another remarked: "Another Bonnie playing Ginny! Love it." A fifth commenter stated: "So happy to know that her name is Bonnie too!"
The official synopsis for the HBO series reveals: "There is nothing special about Harry Potter - or so his Aunt Petunia tells him. But when a mysterious letter of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, it opens the door to a hidden world of magic, friendship and adventure."
"Yet behind Hogwarts' enchanted walls lie dark secrets. Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all."
The first season of HBO's Harry Potter TV series will release this Christmas, with the second series, already approved, anticipated to adapt The Chamber of Secrets.
