Transformed residential street becomes akin to Privet Drive, overflowing with wizards for the latest Harry Potter series, causing potential chaos
In the heart of Upminster, London, Springfield Gardens has been transformed into Privet Drive for the upcoming Harry Potter series, set to air on HBO in 2027. The decision for the location selection was made by the production team responsible for the series.
The filming for the new series took place on this quiet suburban street last Sunday, with a small crew of seven or eight people working for five or six hours. The new series will feature Nick Frost as Hagrid, along with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
For some residents, the filming was an exciting event, with Sue Baldwin, a huge Harry Potter fan, expressing her delight at finding out that her street would play a part in the future series. Superfans have been taking pictures on the street to share in social media group chats around the world.
However, not all residents were as thrilled. Katie Perry, a resident, expressed concern about her personal information being seen by thousands of people due to the filming. Some residents were not properly consulted before filming commenced in June, and others are concerned about people lingering on their street late at night to take photos.
Ms Perry's husband, Wayne, discovered that his street was being used for the series after a colleague showed him a picture of the new-look Privet Drive. The residents were informed about the filming through letters and were told that if they didn't want their house in it, they should let the production team know.
The street plays a pivotal role in the wizarding plot as the location where Albus Dumbledore leaves Harry with his cruel aunt and uncle. Interestingly, the street was originally filmed in Martins Heron, Bracknell, for the movie franchise.
Christopher Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, has ended any hopes of a reunion with the cast due to controversy surrounding JK Rowling. Since December 2019, Rowling has been in the news for her outspoken views on transgender issues. HBO has not commented on the matter.
Despite the mixed feelings among the residents, the filming in Upminster's Springfield Gardens marks an exciting chapter in the Harry Potter series, eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
