HBO’s forthcoming adaptation of the Harry Potter books has inspired discourse ever since it was first announced back in 2023—due in no small part to author and series producer J.K. Rowling’s noted transphobia. But this spring, fans of the franchise recieved a few important casting updates.
In late May, it was announced that newcomer Dominic McLaughlin would take on the role of Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout would co-star as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively. “After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron,” showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and executive producer and episodic director Mark Mylod—both known for their work on Succession—said in a 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. 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.”
Key members of the adult cast were announced back in April, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. On Monday, June 9, however, a whole new batch of actors joined the project, including Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge.
The new series has been touted as “a faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s original material, and even amid the controversy surrounding it—what with Rowling apparently no longer on speaking terms with her original Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), or Hermione (Emma Watson)—it’s hard not to root for these actors to have as successful (and normal!) an experience as possible, entering one of history’s biggest young-adult franchises ever.