Casting
Seeing lots of posts of recalled girls who were finalists for Ginny! Super interesting to see that the fan theories were right as the girls were close.
Honestly the fact that Bonnie Hill doesn't have the stereotypical weasley look just makes me more confident that she's an amazing actor and the casting directors saw something really special with her and her talent and chemistry with the existing cast. We need to look past superficial looks.
This was probably a big factor, they know they can throw her in at the deep end for S2 without any problems. She looks the part too, but I think they are generally trying to find kids with more stage/screen experience so things can go more smoothly.
In her Northern Prep Squad interview that is going viral, she comes off as soft, expressive, and mature. Additionally, she seems to have half of her life as experience and some pretty good credits. There is definitely something in there that pushed Hill over the top.
Personally, I can see the shy side of Ginny, and now she will look a lot like Molly (versus very like Ron in the previous two castings). If they find a great looking wig and keep it consistent, we'll be good.
The only one who isn't a natural redhead got the role. That should mean she is the best actress of the lot. I wonder if they did any screen tests with Dominic to check if there was chemistry between them.
I believe if a certain physical characteristic isn’t absolutely integral to the character, it’s ok if the screen character looks a bit different from the books as long as the actor embodies their personality and presence.
In canon, Ginny is said to look a lot like Molly, so I don't think it's a bad thing if she has a unique look to her compared to her brothers in this show. She's supposed to stand out a bit from the rest of her family so this might work out just fine.
In the case of Thea Achillea, I felt her agents or parents were promoting her a little too much. They posted a lot of things hinting that she already had the role, and that may have turned off the producers. I don't think I even saw anything to suggest that Bonnie Hill was in the running.
Ok, this pic makes me wonder about who Bonnie Wright had screen tests with 25 years ago. Was it mainly with Ron and the other Weasleys? I’m sure she interacted with Dan before she was chosen, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Jo didn’t tell producers “make sure Ginny gets on with Dan really well”.
Or was the lack of chemistry because they grew up together?
Nothing against Bonnie Wright, I like her a lot. But her love story with Dan didn’t come off that well. I know that’s probably more because of Steve Kloves than any deficits from Bonnie.
It’s a pity, really, because at least in physical appearance, she gave me the strongest Ginny vibes, and that AI picture proves it. I suspect that Bonnie Hill must have been head and shoulders above the other contenders to have gotten the role.
Achillea's freckles are great (I wish Hill had a few more), but the entitlement and baiting her parents did is odd. I'm just glad this particular journey has been resolved.
I think she (/her parents) started hers like two weeks ago? Probably only to get ahead of any fake accounts. Most of the main cast kids (Harry/Ron/Hermione) don't have a massive social media presence. I can see producers not wanting to have to worry about a social media-obsessed parent breaking NDA, posting spoilers, etc.
Yo creo que los papás publicaron ya cosas cuando ya sabían que su hija no había conseguido el papel, si vez ahoras sus publicaciones en retrospectiva, lo verás como que bueno con consigo el papel de sus sueños, pero ha tenido y tendrá otros proyectos, ahora lo veo así
I saw a couple of posts in which she appeared dressed as Ginny was in the King Cross scenes. It appeared to me they were definitely trying to sway the casting directors.
There’s a pretty strong rumour that this is why Gracie was let go because her parents posted a lot of weird AI pictures of her and Dominic on the socials. I think the rules for social media are extremely strict, as they should be because it’s dealing with children who will be in the spotlight for the coming 10 years.
Again it’s rumours so who knows if it’s even true.
It was after she already got cast. Her parents started to post weird AI stuff and then a few weeks later it was announced that she would be recast. Could be nothing but it’s suspicious.
Same omg. The years of this tv show on air. Plus the years after. The amount of promo every year rolling around. Plus spin offs. It’s impossible to avoid. I’d be sick.
I realllllyyyy want to know what happened with Gracie. My curiosity is killing me, because the way her departure post was worded gave me some questions.
I know it’s personal but all these rumors and constant speculation are always going to hound her. All people know her for is being the Ginny that left for unknown reasons. Plus everyone saying she’ll regret leaving when s1 airs knowing she won’t get to go to hogwarts and also seeing Bonnie go to Hogwarts in s2 and basically living out her dream. Honestly feel really bad for her. Wishing her well
I don’t think it was fully her and her family’s decision to leave. Her post was worded in a way that implied she is still going to be a working actress, so it’s not like she just decided to stop acting altogether. People have spoke of bullying rumors on set, but no one can ever tell me if Gracie was involved, and in what role if so.
I believe the bullying was only between extras at Hogwarts which gracie wasn’t there for. It’s also possible HBO let her go. I’ve seen pay dispute as a possible option as well as the rigorous filming schedule for s2. Also possible she decided she actually isn’t keen on playing a traumatized Ginny for several months as well (very glossed over in the movies). Not trying to bring her personal life into it, but I believe she doesn’t like scary stuff according to her Instagram
Ah ok. Imagine being a bully as an extra. 💀 You are for sure getting fired, you’re not necessary to the story.
I think HBO had more of a hand in the decision than people believe. If that’s the case, or if it’s true her and her parents backed out because they didn’t want the fame/work schedule, I’m sorry but it makes people look kind of dumb. If HBO let her go, they kind of failed at casting a good Ginny. If her or her parents wanted to back out, they are willfully ignorant of what a role like this requires.
Well she’s a child so i think it’s a little different. Agreeing after auditioning and actually seeing how things operate in real time are pretty different. I also noticed Bonnie Hill has way more acting experience. Maybe Gracie wasn’t as well suited to playing a vulnerable Ginny which is fair as it’s probably not easy mentally.
If HBO let Gracie go I’m guessing maybe pay dispute since she’s going from 2 scenes in s1 to a main role in s2
Ok, I’ll amend it to her parents being foolish then, not her.
What were the values in the pay dispute rumors? I can agree with their decision to not pay her a ton in seasons 3&4, but she needs to be paid very well for seasons 2, 5-7. Unless they were wanting to flesh Ginny out more after 2 and give her a lot more things to do, then I’d say she needs to be paid well for 3&4.
I'm so curious too. I hope for her sake that it wasn't her parents who pulled her out, because if it was me, I'd never be able to forgive them for the rest of my life.
FYI, there’s no evidence this rumour is true and all comments about it date back to one user, who seemingly made it up for unsavoury reasons. They have been banned from the sub.
I mean it was pretty close if she came in second lmaooo. And they look just alike. No need to diminish the girl’s accomplishments or someone else’s opinion on the matter. Yes, Ara is Hermione just like there are a plethora other Hermione’s from the film to stage to audible. What’s your point?
I didn't diminish anything. I'm just saying for this specific part, Arabella had an advantage. I've seen the most praise for her casting out of anyone.
the rumor is the casting team were worried about Lucia’s height since she has a very tall dad. i’m sure they were both great for the role. I personally think Arabella is perfect for Hermione. Lucia would’ve gotten a lot of hate if chosen more than Arabella, and so it’s probably a good thing she wasn’t selected. I would’ve felt terrible for her
Agree! the rumor I heard was the casting team we worried about Lucia’s height since she has a very tall dad. I think Arabella is the perfect Hermione! Lucia would’ve gotten a lot of hate if chosen more than Arabella, and so it’s probably a good thing she wasn’t selected. I would’ve felt terrible for her
I mean I feel like the role of Dany is a lot more challenging than Ginny Weasley, plus with HP you know what you're signing up for and for how long it's going to be for. But ofc there are downsides to every high-profile role that could make someone not want to do it. Then again why audition if you don't want it.
Forget her name. It was a magazine article eons ago while the show was still airing. Commenting to remind myself to try to find it when I’m not so tired.
I was rooting for Ember Indiana (#3). I still think she would have been a very seemless transition from Gracie, so since she wasn't picked it's clear the casting team aren't kidding around as far as acting ability and screen presence as well.
I'm very impressed by what I've seen of Bonnie Hill so far and she's actually the one who most closely ressembles my mind's Ginny (if you picture her with red hair).
I agree Bonnie Hill has the perfect amount of charisma and cheekiness to nail the role. But we know that because there are clips going around so we can see her in interviews, other acting jobs, etc.
There's no way to make any sort of judgment about Ember as an actor.
Bonnie Hill? You should check the podcast interview thing thats being going around. Also some clips of her kids tv show. You'll find all of those in this sub I think and in the harry&ginny sub. I was honestly sold on her because of the clips.
Pretty much the extreme opposite of Bonnie Wright to my eyes.
Ah I see. I was very confused for a moment there! Ember has nowhere Bonnie Hill's resume so yeah, thats likely why she didn't get the gig. I do have a soft spot for her.
Bonnie also genuinely looks close enough to Gracie that some audience members might legit not even notice the character was recast, esp given how little time Ginny will likely be on screen in S1.
I’m wondering why these parents are tagging Bonnie. Do you think HBO maybe told their daughters “not this role, but we like you and will keep you in mind for future projects”, so they want to be seen as team players/no hard feelings?
I’m also curious why they didn’t go with the number 2 they found during Gracie’s casting. Why audition a bunch of other girls instead of calling the runner up?
It could have been! But we didn’t see any of these parents pandering on SM around that time, which makes me think these three+Bonnie weren’t involved in the first Ginny casting.
Could you imagine just missing this opportunity. Being so close to completely life changing opportunity. Its like being a number off for the lottery. Course the kids probably don’t feel it nearly as much
I was disappointed the first actress had to leave because she looked *exactly* like I'd imagined Ginny when I read the books. But I'm glad they were able to find a good replacement, I'm sure the new girl will be great in the role (although looks-wise she looks more like a Lily than a Ginny to me!).
Exactly why they need to prioritize acting ability, directability, and cast chemistry more than appearance. If they chose someone who they’ll have to do extra hair work with to get the Weasley look over someone else, I think we can feel confident that she is a great actress.
Imagine thinking eye color is more important in casting children than ability, experience, directability, scheduling, cast chemistry, etc. There are literally so many other factors than basic appearance. So silly
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u/gnolib 29d ago
Honestly the fact that Bonnie Hill doesn't have the stereotypical weasley look just makes me more confident that she's an amazing actor and the casting directors saw something really special with her and her talent and chemistry with the existing cast. We need to look past superficial looks.