HBO's Harry Potter series to recast Ginny Weasley for season 2 as young actress exits role

Grace Cochrane will be recast as Ginny Weasley in season two of HBO's Harry Potter reboot. | Warner Bros. / HBO Max

HBO’s Harry Potter series will need to find a new Ginny Weasley for season two, as Gracie Cochrane exits the role.

The young actress will play the Weasley sibling in the first season which is due out later this year, but will not reprise the role in the recently confirmed adaptation of The Chamber of Secrets.

A statement released by Cochrane and her family reads: “Due to unforeseen circumstances Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley in the HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series after Season 1,”

“Her time as part of the ‘Harry Potter’ world has been truly wonderful, and she is deeply grateful to Lucy Bevan and the entire production team for creating such an unforgettable experience. Gracie is very excited about the opportunities her future holds.”

READ MORE: Harry Potter Cast: Here's what the new series cast looks like compared to the original films

Already renewed for a second series ahead of The Philosopher's Stone arriving on HBO Max this Christmas, the reboot will adapt J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books for a new generation.

Production on the second season is due to begin in autumn.

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HBO shared their support for the family in a statement: “We support Gracie Cochrane and her family’s decision not to return for the next season of HBO’s Harry Potter series, and we are grateful for her work on season one of the show.

“We wish Gracie and her family the best.”

More than 40,000 young actors auditioned for the role of Harry Potter, with young Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin eventually selected. He was cast alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout, who plays Cochrane’s fictional big brother Ron Weasley.