New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- In a surprise move that contradicts earlier statements from HBO, Warwick Davis is officially returning to the Wizarding World as Professor Filius Flitwick in the upcoming 'Harry Potter' series.

The decision comes despite the studio previously stating that no cast members from the original films would reprise their roles in the television adaptation.

Davis, who played both Flitwick and Griphook across all eight original films, will return solely as the beloved Charms Professor. The goblin banker Griphook will instead be portrayed by 'Game of Thrones' and Joker actor Leigh Gill.

Davis's return marks a notable exception to what had been described as a clean-slate approach for the high-profile reboot, raising eyebrows...