We recently learned that HBO's Harry Potter has found a new Ginny Weasley for its second season, The Chamber of Secrets, and the young actor stepping away from the role has just shared a sweet message for her successor.
Gracie Cochran was cast as Ginny Weasley for the first season of HBO's highly anticipated adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, starting with The Philosopher's Stone. However, Cochran and her family later confirmed that she would not be returning for Season 2, explaining that "due to unforeseen circumstances, Gracie has made the challenging decision to step away from her role as Ginny Weasley."
This week, HBO announced that Bonnie Hill will take over the role (the actors playing Tom Riddle and Dobby were also revealed). Now, Cochran has publicly welcomed her successor to the Wizarding World family with a heartfelt message on Instagram.
Sharing the image used in HBO's official casting announcement, Cochran wrote (via SFFGazette.com) "Handing over the wand" and "Good luck," and accompanied the message with a moving wand emoji. It's a particularly fitting way for the young actor to acknowledge Hill taking over the role she originally played in the series.
While details about Cochran's departure remain private, her message makes it clear that she's wishing Hill well and that there are no hard feelings on her side. Ginny's role will become increasingly important as the series progresses, particularly given Ginny's eventual relationship with the Boy Wizard and her growing importance to the wider story.
Hill will have a lot to sink her teeth into in The Chamber of Secrets, especially as Ginny falls under the influence of Tom Riddle's diary. Cochran is only expected to feature in a couple of scenes in The Philosopher's Stone, as Ginny doesn't begin attending Hogwarts until Season 2.
The other big change in Harry Potter's second batch of episodes is Game of Thrones star Kit Harington taking over the role of Gilderoy Lockhart from Nicholas Hoult just weeks after the Superman star was cast.
In The Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and a rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car.
Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors—and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone... Dobby's sinister predictions seem to be coming true.
The main cast of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on HBO Max this Christmas.