Warner Bros executives have been forced to intervene on the set of the forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation over reports of bullying involving both adult and child cast members, it is believed.
According to sources, two 12-year-old extras were witnessed engaged in a physical altercation during production, with one young performer allegedly heard declaring: "I'm going to get you after filming."
An insider described the situation as "an alarming problem," noting that senior management is determined to remove "any bad eggs among the cast and crew."
Speaking to The Sun, the source alleged: "There are a lot of youngsters on set at any one time, and the reality is that not everyone is going to get on.
Dominic McLaughlin is joined by Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout in the Harry Potter cast | HBO“It’s an alarming problem and bosses want to get rid of any bad eggs among the cast and crew.
“Bosses have issued warnings about behaviour. The bullying accusations have involved adults and children."
The production, currently filming at a purpose-built facility near Watford, has supposedly seen tensions emerge despite only recently commencing work on what is expected to be an eight-year shoot spanning seven seasons.
Production bosses are said to have responded by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying protocols and establishing channels for staff to report misconduct anonymously should they wish.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint pictured as the original Harry Potter cast | PAThe studio has additionally made available "free online counselling and coaching sessions for all cast and crew and access to wellbeing resources", it's been reported.
The production is being filmed at a specially constructed £1 billion mini-town, complete with educational and medical facilities in Leavesden, near Watford.
Security surrounding the project remains exceptionally tight, with access lanyards reportedly labelled "Dark Train" rather than bearing any reference to the wizarding franchise.
Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin, 11, takes on the titular role previously made famous by Daniel Radcliffe, whilst Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton portray Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger respectively.
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The adult cast features notable names, including John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore and Nick Frost stepping into the considerable footwear of gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
There is no suggestion that any of these named performers is connected to the alleged incidents.
JB Perrette, Warner Bros' CEO and president of global streaming and games, expressed considerable enthusiasm for the project at a London event on Monday.
According to MailOnline, he stated: "[Harry Potter is] the biggest streaming event in the history of HBO Max and arguably in streaming, period.
"It's number one, two and three in many ways. We can't wait for this global streaming event."
The series, anticipated to premiere in 2027, will comprise seven seasons corresponding to each of JK Rowling's bestselling novels, with the author serving as executive producer.
The extended television format will enable previously undramatised elements of the source material to reach screens for the first time, with producers committed to remaining "authentic to the original books."
GB News has contacted a representative for HBO over the claims.