In a highly anticipated announcement, HBO has officially revealed the young actors set to portray the iconic trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in its upcoming television series adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding saga. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, all relative newcomers to the screen, have been cast as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively. This news, announced on May 27, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the much-discussed reboot, which aims to bring a fresh yet faithful interpretation of the seven Harry Potter novels to a new generation of fans.
The casting process was no small feat. Following an open call launched in September 2024, HBO received applications from over 32,000 children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland. Casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann sifted through thousands of audition tapes, reviewing up to 1,000 per day, to find the perfect trio to embody the characters originally brought to life by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the blockbuster film series. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement, saying, “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
Dominic McLaughlin, a Scottish actor, steps into the role of Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. McLaughlin is relatively new to the industry but has already garnered attention for his role in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow, where he stars alongside Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel, as well as the BBC action-adventure series Gifted. His training at The Performance Academy Scotland, where he spent several years honing his craft, has been praised by the academy, which celebrated his casting on social media, stating, “We said from the start that Dominic was the perfect Harry, and we are thrilled for everyone else to see this soon too.” McLaughlin also appeared in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth opposite Ralph Fiennes, showcasing his ability to hold his own alongside seasoned performers.
Arabella Stanton, cast as the brilliant and determined Hermione Granger, brings her own unique experience to the role. Stanton is no stranger to the stage, having played the lead in Matilda: The Musical in London’s West End from 2023 to 2024. She also appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, further demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Fans have already noted that Stanton’s naturally frizzy hair aligns closely with the book’s description of Hermione, sparking excitement about her suitability for the role. Represented by Olivia Bell and Public Eye, Stanton is poised to bring depth and authenticity to the brightest witch of her age.
Alastair Stout, who will portray the loyal and quick-witted Ron Weasley, is the least experienced of the trio, with this role marking his first major on-screen appearance. While Stout has appeared in television advertisements, his casting in the HBO series represents a significant leap into the spotlight. The fresh faces of McLaughlin, Stanton, and Stout mirror the approach taken with the original film cast, who were also young and relatively unknown when they began their journey in the wizarding world.
The HBO series, set to begin filming this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, promises to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s novels, with each season covering one book over an anticipated decade-long run. This extended format will allow for deeper exploration of the stories, including subplots and characters omitted from the films. The series has already assembled an impressive ensemble of veteran actors, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, alongside Gardiner, Mylod, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman.
The announcement has generated a wave of excitement on social media, with fans expressing both enthusiasm and curiosity about the new trio. Posts on X have described McLaughlin, Stanton, and Stout as “cute” and “perfect” for their roles, though some have voiced concerns about the pressure these young actors will face, given the franchise’s massive global following and the controversy surrounding Rowling’s public statements. Nevertheless, the casting of these three young talents signals the start of a new chapter for the wizarding world, one that promises to enchant audiences when the series premieres on HBO Max in 2026.
