Harry Potter’s Fred & George Weasley actors spill 'very private' note to TV show cast

Bit of a handover happening in the Harry Potter universe right now — yes, even the Weasley twins are passing the torch. The blokes best known for playing Fred and George in the original films, James and Oliver Phelps, have reached out to the new lads stepping into their shoes for HBO's upcoming TV adaptation. Apparently, it's not just some official studio nod: the Phelps twins actually sat down and wrote private letters to Tristan and Gabriel Harland, the actors who'll be the new on-screen mischief-makers. We're talking proper, handwritten good luck notes — not a quick DM.

James and Oliver Phelps sent personal written notes to the twins now cast as Fred and George Weasley in the new HBO series.

Weasley Twins, Generation Two

Here's how it all went down: ahead of filming for the next-era Harry Potter show, the original Fred and George wanted to give the Harland brothers a heads-up about what they're in for — minus any public fuss. Oliver Phelps told TV Insider he and his brother made sure to keep things proper low-key and only between them, but he did say they shared stories from their time on set and wished the newcomers the best of luck. To add a bit more intrigue, Oliver admitted a few other original cast members have done much the same, though he, wisely, didn't spill whose advice might be lurking in these envelopes.

Oliver Phelps put it simply: 'We dropped them each an individual letter, just saying some experiences we've had over the years, and wishing them all the best with it. And it was a very, very, very private message or note, but it was more a case of wishing them all the best with what they're doing, which I know that a few of the other cast members from the films have done as well.'

If you're sensing some nerves (or perhaps slightly awkward excitement) from the new Fred and George, you wouldn't be far off. Imagine getting a personal note from the same twins who've literally defined the characters for a generation of fans. No pressure at all.

Baking, But Make It Wizarding

While the Harlands are off prepping for their Hogwarts prankster era, James and Oliver Phelps have not exactly left the Potter world behind. The twins are right in the middle of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking — a TV contest for fans and foodies alike, where actual pastry chefs tackle all sorts of magical cake challenges. The show's now on season 3, which just kicked off on 4 November, and this round lines teams up based on the four Hogwarts houses. This bit's particularly fun — it's not just generic cakes; they have to recreate edible versions of beloved wizardy objects and famous Potter set-pieces. Honestly, it's one of the only franchise spin-offs that's more charming than cynical, and the Phelps twins, returning as hosts, still look like they're having a laugh with it all.

We're also right in the thick of the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film, which has brought plenty of nostalgia back round. Oliver reflected on just how quickly the years have gone by (easy for him to say, he hasn't had to age up for a Hogwarts reunion special yet), saying he was genuinely chuffed about how much joy the series still brings. As Harry Potter properties go, between the TV handover and a literal bake-off, it's a weird but fitting double act for 2026.