After an extensive search that drew over 30,000 hopefuls, HBO has officially cast the young leads for its upcoming Harry Potter television series. Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout playing Ron Weasley.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the reboot, which aims to retell J.K. Rowling’s wizarding saga as a multi-season show. The casting process began last fall through an open call, with the final trio selected after what the creative team described as an “extraordinary search.”
“We are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione and Ron,” said showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod in a joint statement. “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”
While all three actors are relative newcomers, McLaughlin appeared in the upcoming comedy Grow alongside Nick Frost, Stanton starred in the West End’s Matilda: The Musical between 2023 and 2024, and Stout will be making his on-screen debut with Harry Potter.
The cast also includes several high-profile names in supporting roles. John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will portray Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu steps into the role of Severus Snape. Nick Frost will appear as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.
The series is being developed by HBO in collaboration with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Francesca Gardiner will write and serve as showrunner, while Mark Mylod will direct multiple episodes. Executive producers include author J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and Harry Potter film producer David Heyman.
Rowling’s involvement in the project remains a point of controversy due to her regressive stand on trans rights. However, HBO content chief Casey Bloys recently dismissed concerns about those views influencing the show, noting that the focus remains on faithfully adapting the books.
Published – May 28, 2025 10:57 am IST