Recently, three unofficial images, purportedly from the set of HBO's Harry Potter series, have begun circulating online. These early glimpses of Diagon Alley show a significantly different vision for the iconic wizarding street compared to what fans remember from the original films.
Among the noticeable changes, the new set features a notable addition of a second story to many of the buildings. One photo highlights a reimagined Quidditch supplies store, while another reveals two seemingly new establishments: Glissando’s, which appears to be a music shop, and Primpornelle’s Beautifying Potions, hinting at new magical beauty products.
It's speculated that these changes are necessary due to copyright considerations. While both the films and the upcoming series draw from J.K. Rowling's books, HBO needs to establish its own distinct visual identity for the wizarding world, as the specific designs of the original film sets are held by Warner Bros.
Unsurprisingly, these leaked images have stirred a vibrant discussion among fans. Some are excited by the fresh perspective, feeling it could offer a more realistic and gritty aesthetic for the series. Others, however, express concern, describing the new look as too 'plastic' or generic. It's crucial to remember that these images are not official releases from HBO. They seem to have been taken by unauthorized third parties, and the full context of these set pieces is still unknown. We await official stills or trailers to get a clearer picture of Diagon Alley in the new series.