Renowned choreographer Emma Farnell-Watson brings her magic to the highly anticipated new Harry Potter television series.
The dance world is abuzz with exciting news as acclaimed choreographer Emma Farnell-Watson has officially joined the core choreography and movement team for the highly anticipated new Harry Potter television series. This is a monumental step, underscoring the vital role of expert movement direction in bringing the wizarding world to life on screen.
Farnell-Watson's impressive resume speaks volumes about her talent and versatility. A graduate of the London Contemporary Dance School, her early career saw her touring internationally with renowned contemporary companies such as Jasmin Vardimon Company and Hofesh Shechter Company, showcasing her profound understanding of diverse movement languages. Beyond the stage, she has made a significant impact in the commercial sector, choreographing for global brands including Chanel, Magnum, Adidas, Marimekko, Burberry, and Marks and Spencer. Her work with artists like Freya Ridings, Rag 'n' Bone Man, and Jamie Cullum further demonstrates her ability to craft compelling and innovative movement across various platforms.
Her experience extends to the screen, having assisted on Netflix's "Sandman" (Season 2) and the upcoming BBC series "Dope Girls," proving her adeptness at translating choreographic vision for television. This rich background, blending rigorous contemporary technique with broad commercial appeal, makes her an exceptional choice for the magical and intricate world of Harry Potter. Her expertise will undoubtedly be crucial in developing the unique physicalities of characters, the nuances of magical spells, and the overall dynamic movement that will define the new HBO series.
The new Harry Potter series, which commenced principal photography in July 2025, promises to offer an in-depth adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved books, aiming for a level of detail and character exploration not possible in the films. With a premiere slated for Christmas 2026, the inclusion of a choreographer of Farnell-Watson’s caliber ensures that every gesture, every magical duel, and every fantastical creature will be imbued with authenticity and artistic precision. Her involvement is a testament to the growing recognition of movement direction as a critical component in crafting immersive and believable narrative experiences on a grand scale.
This is a proud moment for the dance community, highlighting the expansive opportunities available to skilled choreographers. Emma Farnell-Watson’s journey from leading contemporary stages to the global phenomenon of Harry Potter exemplifies the incredible impact dance professionals have on the entertainment industry. For aspiring dancers, seeing such an accomplished artist contribute to a project of this magnitude serves as powerful inspiration, showcasing where dedication and passion for movement can lead.
Ready to explore your own potential and perhaps one day contribute to groundbreaking productions? GoDance offers comprehensive training to help you develop the skills and artistry needed to excel in the dynamic world of dance.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get new content delivered to your inbox
Emma Farnell-Watson is a highly respected choreographer and performer with a diverse career spanning both contemporary dance and commercial projects. She has toured internationally with prestigious companies like Jasmin Vardimon Company and Hofesh Shechter Company. Her choreographic credits include work for major brands such as Chanel, Adidas, and M&S, as well as artists like Jamie Cullum and Freya Ridings. She has also served as an assistant choreographer on significant television productions, including Season 2 of Netflix's "Sandman" and the upcoming BBC series "Dope Girls".
The new Harry Potter television series is an upcoming HBO original production that aims to adapt all seven of J.K. Rowling's books, providing a deeper dive into the stories than the previous film series. It features an all-new cast and began principal photography in July 2025 at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England. The series is creatively led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, and is currently scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25, 2026.
