HBO has unveiled the fresh-faced trio who will lead its long-anticipated television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series.
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout have been cast in the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively, stepping into the magical world previously brought to life by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the original film franchise.
The casting announcement comes after a year-long global search, with over 30,000 children auditioning for the coveted parts.
The new castings were revealed alongside a statement from showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer and director Mark Mylod, who expressed their excitement about the young actors.
“The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen,” said Gardiner and Mylod.
Dominic McLaughlin, a Scottish actor, is set to portray the Boy Who Lived. Though a relative newcomer, he has already landed roles in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow, which also stars Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel, and will appear in the BBC’s forthcoming action-adventure series Gifted.
Arabella Stanton, who takes on the role of Hermione Granger, previously dazzled audiences in the West End as Matilda in Matilda: The Musical. Alastair Stout, playing Ron Weasley, is newer to the screen, but producers praised his natural charm and chemistry with the ensemble.
The trio will join an impressive supporting cast of seasoned performers. Acclaimed actor John Lithgow will step into the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Janet McTeer is set to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Paapa Essiedu will take on the enigmatic Professor Severus Snape.
British comedian Nick Frost has been cast as the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon will play the stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will appear as the grumpy caretaker Argus Filch.
Further casting announcements are expected in the coming months.
J.K. Rowling, author of the bestselling book series, is serving as an executive producer for the series. HBO has emphasized that the show will be a “faithful adaptation” of the original books, in contrast to the time-constrained film adaptations.
The series is slated to span at least a decade, allowing for deeper exploration of the characters, subplots, and magical world that captivated readers across the globe.
Filming is expected to begin in the summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, the same location where much of the original film series was shot. If production remains on schedule, the first season is expected to premiere on HBO Max in 2026.
The announcement has reignited excitement among fans of the franchise, who are eager to see the magic of Hogwarts brought to life for a new generation with a fresh cast and expanded storytelling possibilities.
