Accio spatulas! Calling all Harry Potter fans, foodies, and anyone who’s ever wondered what a treacle tart with a magical twist might look like. The new series Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking has officially landed on Max, bringing the Weasley twins themselves—James and Oliver Phelps—back to the wizarding world. These “mischief-managed” brothers may have left their Gryffindor robes behind, but they’re still casting spells, this time in the kitchen, where contestants compete for the coveted Wizards of Baking Cup.
In Wizards of Baking, nostalgia meets innovation as competitors whip up sweets inspired by iconic elements from the Harry Potter universe, all set in the famous Leavesden Studios. Every week, bakers take on magical challenges judged by culinary wizards Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, with guest appearances from fellow castmates like Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley). It’s a sugar-filled celebration of everything we love about the Potterverse, complete with nods to chocolate frog silhouettes and even “fire-scorched” fireplaces. Who knew Expelliarmus might now be used to deflect stray icing?
From Platform 9¾ to kitchen magic – the Weasleys are back!
James and Oliver Phelps may no longer have their trademark Weasley red hair, but these twins are instantly recognizable to fans who grew up watching them as the iconic pranksters Fred and George. Now, more than a decade after leaving the Harry Potter saga, they’re back in the studio that made it all possible, this time hosting a baking competition that’s as cheeky as the Weasley twins themselves. Oliver mentioned that both he and James are big fans of baking TV, and he shared that his 7-year-old daughter was thrilled when she learned her dad would be part of the show.
The Phelps twins bring their characteristic humor to the kitchen, lightening the atmosphere for contestants who find themselves in high-stakes baking challenges. James observed that there was a certain “pressure not to get in the way” as they navigated the bustling set, which is anything but a small production. Oliver added that he’d never been on a set this busy before. When they first heard filming would take place in a kitchen, Oliver had pictured a small setup but was blown away by a set that looked like it could be the Hogwarts kitchens—only with modern equipment.
The set itself is practically a character in the show, blending Harry Potter sentimentality with modern cooking magic. James pointed out that nothing “Potter” is ever done halfway, explaining that even the fireplaces on set were designed to look scorched, with realistic burn marks and soot, as though they had been lit with real fire. Beyond the iconic visuals, there’s an electric atmosphere on set, with everyone involved dedicated to creating an experience as magical as it is memorable.
A new generation of magic (and cake!)
For those who grew up on Potter magic, Wizards of Baking is a taste from the past mixed with fresh ingredients, perfectly timed for a new generation to fall in love with. James and Oliver may be forever linked to the characters of Fred and George, but they’re passing the torch in the most delightful way possible—by serving up smiles, sugary treats, and magical memories, one episode at a time. As the series introduces Potter-themed challenges that could have been crafted by the magical team at Honeydukes, it’s a charming entry point into a world that has enchanted imaginations for over two decades.
And just as exciting, the new HBO series adaptation of Harry Potter is on the horizon, bringing fresh faces to play beloved characters. Reflecting on this, the Phelps twins shared their thoughts on this adaptation: Oliver mentioned that they would always be associated with the characters of Fred and George, while James, with a touch of humor, remarked that he hoped the new actors wouldn’t be too good.
Save the date!
Whether you’re here for the sweets, the spells, or just to see the Phelps brothers back in action, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking is a show you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for each weekly release on Max, and let the baking magic begin!