The wizarding world is buzzing with excitement as HBO has officially unveiled the new faces of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley for its highly anticipated television series adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter novels. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout have been cast as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively, marking a fresh chapter for the beloved franchise. Announced on May 27, 2025, this casting reveal has sparked widespread enthusiasm among fans, eager to see how these young actors will bring the cherished characters to life in a series set to premiere on HBO Max in 2026.
The journey to find the perfect trio was extensive. HBO launched a nationwide casting call in September 2024, targeting children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland. Over 32,000 young hopefuls submitted audition tapes, with casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann reviewing up to 1,000 submissions daily. The goal was to discover actors who could capture the essence of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, originally portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the blockbuster film series. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod praised the selected trio, stating, “Dominic, Arabella, and Alastair each bring something truly special to their roles. Their chemistry is electric, and we’re thrilled to share their journey with the world.”
Dominic McLaughlin, a Scottish talent, steps into the iconic role of Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. Though relatively new to the screen, McLaughlin has already made waves with his role in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow, starring alongside Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel, and in the BBC’s action-adventure series Gifted. His training at The Performance Academy Scotland has equipped him with a strong foundation, and the academy celebrated his casting, posting, “Dominic has always had that spark, and we’re beyond proud to see him take on Harry Potter.” McLaughlin’s prior stage experience, including a role in Macbeth opposite Ralph Fiennes, highlights his ability to perform alongside industry veterans.
Arabella Stanton, cast as the brilliant Hermione Granger, brings a wealth of stage experience to the series. Stanton shone as the lead in Matilda: The Musical in London’s West End from 2023 to 2024 and appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express. Her naturally curly hair has already drawn comparisons to Hermione’s book description, delighting fans who value the character’s authenticity. Represented by Olivia Bell and Public Eye, Stanton’s expressive performances and stage presence make her a fitting choice for the whip-smart witch, poised to navigate Hogwarts’ challenges with intelligence and grit.
Alastair Stout, the least experienced of the trio, will portray the loyal and humorous Ron Weasley. While Stout’s resume primarily includes television advertisements, his casting marks a bold leap into a major role. His fresh face and natural charm align with the approach taken for the original films, where young, relatively unknown actors were chosen to grow into their characters. Fans on X have already dubbed Stout a “perfect Ron,” citing his relatable energy as a key factor in their excitement.
The HBO series, set to begin filming this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, promises a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s seven novels, with each season covering one book over a planned 10-year run. This format allows for a deeper dive into the wizarding world, including subplots and characters not fully explored in the films. The series boasts a stellar supporting cast, with 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 will serve as an executive producer alongside Gardiner, Mylod, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, ensuring a blend of creative vision and fidelity to the source material.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have been alight with reactions to the casting news. Fans have described the trio as “adorable” and “spot-on,” though some have expressed concerns about the intense scrutiny these young actors may face, given the franchise’s global fanbase and ongoing debates surrounding Rowling’s public statements. Despite these challenges, the casting of McLaughlin, Stanton, and Stout heralds an exciting new era for Harry Potter, one that promises to rekindle the magic for both longtime fans and newcomers when the series debuts in 2026.
