Get ready, Harry Potter fans—HBO’s upcoming series just revealed the young stars who’ll bring Harry, Hermione, and Ron to life. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout have been cast as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, ready to whisk us back to Hogwarts. Chosen from over 32,000 auditions, these kids are set to start filming this summer at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK. Here’s the lowdown on the fresh faces who’ll be waving wands and stealing hearts in this exciting reboot.
A Huge Search for the Perfect Trio
Finding the new Harry, Hermione, and Ron was a massive undertaking. Last September, HBO launched an open casting call for kids aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland. Over 32,000 hopefuls sent in audition tapes, with casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann reviewing up to 1,000 videos a day. The kids had to perform a poem or short story and share a personal story about someone (or something, like a pet) they love. It was all about capturing the heart, humor, and chemistry that make these characters so iconic. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod are thrilled, saying in a press release, “These three have something truly magical, and we can’t wait for everyone to see them shine together.”
Who’s Who in the Wizarding World
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
Fourteen-year-old Dominic McLaughlin from Scotland is our new Boy Who Lived. He’s already got some serious acting chops, with roles in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow (where he’ll share the screen with Nick Frost, who’s playing Hagrid) and the BBC’s action-adventure Gifted, set in Edinburgh. He’s even taken on Macbeth on stage at the Royal Highland Centre, acting alongside Ralph Fiennes. The folks at Performance Academy Scotland, where Dominic trained for five years, always thought he was Harry material, saying, “We knew Dominic was perfect for the part.” With his knack for pulling off brave, heartfelt, and just a bit awkward, he’s ready to rock those round glasses.
Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
Thirteen-year-old Arabella Stanton from London is stepping into Hermione’s brilliant, bushy-haired shoes. She’s a stage star, having played Matilda in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda: The Musical on the West End from 2023 to 2024. She also took on the role of Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express. Arabella’s got the smarts and spirit to nail Hermione’s fierce intelligence and loyalty, and her stage experience means she’s ready to bring depth to everyone’s favorite know-it-all witch.
Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
Alastair Stout, a newcomer with a northern British accent, is our Ron Weasley. This isthin the role, though you might’ve seen him in an ad for Albert Bartlett’s Jersey Royal potatoes. Alastair’s got that perfect mix of humor and heart that makes Ron so lovable—think quick quips and a fiercely loyal streak. As a fresh face, he’s a bit of a wild card, but HBO’s betting on his natural charm to make Ron shine. Get ready for some classic Weasley moments with this guy.
What’s Coming in the Series
Set to premiere on Max in 2026, the Harry Potter series is going big, with seven seasons planned—one for each book. Unlike the movies, which had to fit everything into a couple of hours, this format means we’ll get more of the details fans love, from Hogwarts classes to those quieter character moments. J.K. Rowling is on board as an executive producer to keep things true to the books. The trio will be joined by an amazing adult cast, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paul Whitehouse as Filch, and Luke Thallon as Quirrell. It’s a mix of seasoned pros and new talent that’s got everyone excited.
How Fans Are Feeling
The casting news has fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Some are already calling these three the “perfect Golden Trio,” while others are eager to see how they’ll compare to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. There’s been some chatter about J.K. Rowling’s involvement and casting choices, but HBO’s focused on picking a diverse, talented lineup that captures the spirit of the books. The vibe is a mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, and fans are counting down the days to see these kids in action.
A New Chapter for Hogwarts
With filming starting soon at the massive Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden (complete with its own school and medical center for the young cast), this Harry Potter series is shaping up to be something special. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout are ready to carry the torch, bringing their own magic to Harry, Hermione, and Ron. As Gardiner and Mylod put it, these three have a chemistry that’s “pure magic.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Wizarding World, this trio’s journey through Hogwarts is bound to be an adventure worth watching. Grab your wands—the magic’s about to begin!
Source: Mixvale