The next generation of witches and wizards has officially arrived. HBO has unveiled the principal cast for its ambitious Harry Potter television series, slated to premiere in 2026. After a global casting call that attracted more than 30,000 hopefuls from the UK and Ireland, three relatively unknown young actors have been chosen to step into some of the most iconic roles in modern fantasy storytelling.
The New Golden Trio
Leading the cast is Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. McLaughlin, a Scottish rising star, is best known for roles in the upcoming indie drama Grow and the BBC adaptation of Gifted. Though relatively new to the global spotlight, early reports from insiders highlight his natural intensity and emotional depth—qualities essential for portraying Harry’s evolution from an orphaned schoolboy to a battle-hardened wizard.
Joining him is Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. A stage veteran despite her young age, Stanton gained recognition in the West End for her standout performances in Matilda the Musical and Starlight Express. Her casting brings a strong theatrical pedigree and poised intelligence to the role of Hogwarts’ brightest witch.
Rounding out the trio is Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. A complete newcomer to the industry, Stout charmed casting directors with his grounded, humorous take on the loyal Gryffindor. His only on-screen credit before landing the role was a commercial for Jersey Royal potatoes—a true underdog story fitting for Ron himself.
A Faithful, Season-by-Season Adaptation
Unlike the film series, HBO’s adaptation plans to tell J.K. Rowling’s original seven-book story over seven seasons—one per school year. This format gives the creative team the time and space to include deeper subplots, overlooked characters, and more faithful world-building. Warner Bros. Discovery executives have emphasized the series will offer both nostalgia and novelty: a respectful retelling with modern production values and a new creative vision.
The Supporting Cast: A Mix of Prestige and Familiarity
The adult cast also boasts a mix of prestige television veterans and fan-favorite British actors:
- Albus Dumbledore will be played by John Lithgow, the Emmy and Tony-winning actor known for The Crown and Dexter. Lithgow’s gravitas and warmth promise a layered portrayal of Hogwarts’ enigmatic headmaster.
- Severus Snape will be reimagined by Paapa Essiedu, whose breakout role in I May Destroy You earned critical acclaim. His casting hints at a more emotionally complex, grounded take on the famously tormented Potions Master.
- Minerva McGonagall will be portrayed by Janet McTeer, a Tony and Olivier winner with credits in Ozark and The Woman in Black. Her commanding presence fits the Transfiguration professor perfectly.
- Rubeus Hagrid goes to Nick Frost, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Fans are already praising this choice for bringing the right blend of heart and humor.
- Quirinus Quirrell, the first season’s main antagonist, will be played by Luke Thallon, a British stage actor praised for his recent work at the National Theatre.
- Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts, will be played by British comedian Paul Whitehouse.
Filming & Production Timeline
Filming begins in summer 2025 in Hertfordshire, UK—the original home of many of the Harry Potter film sets. HBO is reportedly investing heavily in practical effects and immersive set design to capture the magic of Hogwarts more vividly than ever before. The series is being developed under the supervision of Warner Bros. Television, with J.K. Rowling attached as an executive producer to ensure lore consistency.
A New Era of Wizardry
With a fresh cast, expanded storytelling potential, and modern production standards, HBO’s Harry Potter series is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious fantasy television projects of the decade. While comparisons to the original film series are inevitable, this reboot offers something unique: the chance to fall in love with the magic all over again—book by book, spell by spell.
Fans will want to keep their wands at the ready—Hogwarts reopens in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout have been cast as Harry, Hermione, and Ron in HBO’s Harry Potter series.
- The casting process was extensive, with the production team reviewing more than 30,000 auditions before making their final decisions.
- HBO’s television adaptation aims to retell the entire Harry Potter saga with each season covering one book from J.K. Rowling’s beloved series.
Key Actors for Harry, Ron, and Hermione Announced
HBO has finally revealed the young stars who will bring the beloved trio to life in the upcoming Harry Potter television series. After an extensive casting process with over 30,000 auditions, three talented child actors have been selected to play the iconic roles.
Dominic McLaughlin Cast as Harry Potter
Dominic McLaughlin has been chosen to play the titular character of Harry Potter in HBO’s new series. The young actor will step into the role previously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe in the film franchise.
McLaughlin impressed casting directors with his ability to capture Harry’s determined spirit and vulnerability. Though relatively unknown before this casting announcement, he brings fresh energy to the character that resonated with producers.
HBO executives have kept details about McLaughlin’s previous acting experience private, but industry insiders suggest he demonstrated exceptional talent during the rigorous audition process. The casting team specifically looked for a child actor who could grow with the role over multiple seasons.
McLaughlin will wear the iconic round glasses and bear the lightning-shaped scar that has become synonymous with the character. The production team is confident he will bring authenticity to the boy who lived.
Arabella Stanton to Portray Hermione Granger
Arabella Stanton has been cast as the brilliant witch Hermione Granger. Following in Emma Watson’s footsteps, Stanton will play the intelligent and resourceful muggle-born student who becomes one of Harry’s closest friends.
The casting directors were reportedly impressed by Stanton’s ability to capture Hermione’s intelligence and determination. Her audition demonstrated the perfect balance of academic confidence and emotional depth required for the complex character.
Stanton has appeared in several school productions and had minor roles in regional theater. Her selection came after multiple callback auditions where she consistently stood out among thousands of hopefuls.
HBO representatives noted that Stanton’s chemistry with her co-stars was a significant factor in their decision. The young actress has already begun preparing for the role by studying the source material extensively.
Alastair Stout Selected for Ron Weasley
Completing the trio, Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley, Harry’s loyal best friend and member of the wizarding Weasley family. The role was previously played by Rupert Grint in the film series.
Stout impressed producers with his natural comedic timing and ability to portray Ron’s loyalty and occasional insecurity. His audition highlighted the character’s warmth and humor while maintaining the emotional depth needed for dramatic scenes.
The young actor reportedly beat out thousands of other children for the coveted role. Casting directors were particularly drawn to his authentic portrayal of Ron’s family-oriented personality and his chemistry with McLaughlin and Stanton during group readings.
HBO has confirmed that Stout’s naturally expressive features and red hair made him an ideal candidate for the Weasley character. Production photos show he embodies the character’s distinctive look while bringing his own interpretation to the beloved role.
Supporting Cast and Characters
Beyond the central trio, HBO has assembled an impressive ensemble of veteran actors and rising stars to bring the beloved supporting characters of the Harry Potter universe to life.
Confirmed Cast for Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall
The wise and eccentric Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore will be portrayed by acclaimed British actor John Lithgow. Lithgow brings decades of award-winning experience to this pivotal role, previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the film series.
For the stern but fair Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, HBO has cast Janet McTeer. The Golden Globe winner and two-time Oscar nominee is known for her commanding presence and versatility across stage and screen.
Both casting choices signal HBO’s commitment to bringing seasoned theatrical talent to these iconic roles. Fans have expressed excitement about seeing these acclaimed actors’ fresh interpretations of the beloved Hogwarts professors.
Casting for Rubeus Hagrid, Severus Snape, and Argus Filch
The gentle half-giant Rubeus Hagrid will be played by Nick Frost, known for his comedic work and physical presence. His warmth and humor make him well-suited to portray Harry’s first magical friend and Hogwarts’ groundskeeper.
For the complex and mysterious Potions Master Severus Snape, HBO has secured rising star Paapa Essiedu. Essiedu’s intense dramatic abilities promise a nuanced portrayal of the character previously defined by Alan Rickman.
The cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch will be brought to life by character actor Paul Whitehouse. Additionally, Luke Thallon has been cast as the stuttering Professor Quirinus Quirrell, whose role is particularly significant in the first book.
Behind the Casting Process
The search for the perfect trio to lead HBO’s Harry Potter series involved months of secret auditions, industry expertise, and careful collaboration between casting directors, Warner Bros, and original creator J.K. Rowling.
Role of Casting Directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann
Acclaimed casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann led the exhaustive casting process that spanned nearly eight months. Their previous work on fantasy adaptations made them ideal choices for the project.
The casting call attracted over 30,000 young hopefuls from across the UK and Ireland. Unlike the original film series, which cast relatively unknown child actors, Bevan and Brockmann implemented a multi-stage audition process.
Candidates first submitted self-taped auditions before promising talents were invited to in-person callbacks at Leavesden Studios. The final rounds included chemistry tests between potential trios to ensure the perfect dynamic between Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Bevan noted that finding young actors who could grow with their characters over multiple seasons was particularly challenging but essential for the long-term success of the series.
Collaboration With JK Rowling and Warner Bros
J.K. Rowling played a significant role in the casting decisions, personally attending final auditions for the main trio. Her input was considered crucial to maintaining the essence of the characters she created.
Warner Bros executives emphasized their commitment to honoring the spirit of the books while bringing fresh energy to the TV adaptation. The studio established a collaborative approach between:
- Original creator (Rowling)
- Casting directors
- Show producers
- HBO executives
This team sought performers who could embody the characters’ core traits while bringing something new to roles that have become cultural icons.
Unlike the film series, the TV format required actors who could sustain character development across potentially seven seasons, with filming expected to span nearly a decade of their young careers.
Influence of Past Productions and Matilda the Musical
The casting team drew inspiration from successful youth-led productions, particularly Matilda the Musical, which demonstrated how to work effectively with talented child actors in demanding roles.
Brockmann previously worked on Matilda and applied similar techniques to identify performers with natural charisma, emotional range, and stamina for long-term filming commitments.
The team also studied the original Harry Potter films’ casting process, though they intentionally avoided seeking lookalikes to the original trio. Instead, they focused on finding actors who captured the characters’ essences.
“We weren’t looking for the next Daniel Radcliffe or Emma Watson,” Bevan explained. “We wanted young performers who could make these beloved characters their own while honoring what makes them special.”
The influence of stage productions helped identify actors with theatrical training who could bring depth to the characters beyond their young ages.
Production Team and Series Details
HBO’s Harry Potter series has assembled a distinguished creative team to bring the beloved wizarding world back to screens. The production is set to faithfully adapt J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series with careful attention to detail.
Showrunners and Directors: Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod
The series is being helmed by Francesca Gardiner as showrunner, who previously worked on critically acclaimed HBO productions. Gardiner brings her experience in character-driven storytelling to the magical universe.
Mark Mylod has signed on as the lead director for multiple episodes of the first season. Mylod’s visual style and ability to direct young actors made him a natural choice for the project.
The executive production team includes J.K. Rowling herself, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts from Brontë Film and TV. David Heyman, who produced all eight original Harry Potter films through Heyday Films, is also returning as an executive producer.
Filming Locations and Schedule
Production is scheduled to begin in late 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England. This location holds special significance as it was the primary filming site for all eight original Harry Potter films.
The studio has begun constructing elaborate Hogwarts sets, with significant attention being paid to matching the iconic visual elements fans expect. Several real-world British locations will complement the studio filming.
The first season is planned for a 10-episode run, with filming expected to last approximately 8 months. Warner Bros. and HBO have committed to a multi-season approach, with each season likely covering one book from the series.
