In a surprising shift for fans of the wizarding world, the upcoming Harry Potter television series has relocated its iconic train station filming from King's Cross to Waterloo Station in London. On Sunday, crews took over the bustling transport hub to shoot key scenes for the adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved novels.
New Cast and Filming Locations
Production for the series commenced earlier this year, with a premiere slated for next year. The young leads have been announced: Dominic McLaughlin, aged 11, steps into the role of Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton, also 11, portrays Hermione Granger. Alastair Stout, likewise 11, completes the trio as Ron Weasley. The original film series, released between 2001 and 2011, famously used the Olton Hall engine—now housed at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour near Watford—as the Hogwarts Express, departing from King's Cross. Filming for the TV adaptation began in May, with initial scenes shot on the Île de Sein off the coast of Brittany, France. The production has now moved to more iconic settings, preparing for the new school year at Hogwarts.
Waterloo Station and the Crouch End Connection
Outside Waterloo Station, a classic red double-decker bus was photographed displaying the destination 'Crouch End.' This affluent North London village (N8) is known for its Edwardian architecture, creative community, and independent shops. However, the name 'Crouch' holds deeper significance in the Harry Potter universe, referring to the ancient pure-blood family. Bartemius Crouch Senior, a high-ranking Ministry of Magic official, and his son Bartemius Crouch Junior, a Death Eater who impersonated Alastor Moody, are both notable characters. While the exact scenes being filmed were not disclosed, the presence of crowds suggests the location will feature prominently in one or more episodes.
End of the Back to Hogwarts Tradition
Traditionally, hundreds of fans gathered at King's Cross each September 1st, dressed in costume, to recreate the magical journey through the wall to Platform 9 3/4. This 'Back to Hogwarts' event celebrated the start of each academic year at Hogwarts. However, in 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery cancelled the public gathering, and it was confirmed that the event would not be held in 2025 either. A statement on the Wizarding World website in July 2025 advised fans to stay away from King's Cross, citing safety concerns. A spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that no countdown or train announcement would occur. Instead, a screening of the fourth Harry Potter film at Cineworld Leicester Square, featuring a Q&A with actors James and Oliver Phelps, will take place.
The New Hogwarts Express
Earlier last year, it was revealed that the Wightwick Hall steam locomotive has been selected to portray the Hogwarts Express in the upcoming series. Restored over 41 years by volunteers, the locomotive will transport Harry from Platform 9 3/4 to Hogwarts. Built in 1948, Wightwick Hall traveled 640,000 miles with the Great Western Railway before being withdrawn in 1964 and sold for scrap. Rescued in 1978 for £9,180 by volunteers from the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, it is now on long-term loan to the Bluebell Railway in West Sussex. The locomotive will spend six months each year filming for the HBO series over the next eight years, operating at the tourist attraction between shoots.
